Nation will surmount flood crisis, says PM

Shehbaz says world leaders sincere in helping Pakistan

ISAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence on Sunday that Pakistan would successfully come out of the current flood crisis with the help and cooperation of the international community.

Chairing an important review meeting regarding the ongoing relief work in the flood-affected areas via video link from London, the prime minister recalled that the world leaders, attending the United Nations General Assembly session had assured Pakistan of support.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz updated the participants of the meeting, including key federal ministers and the relevant authorities, about his meetings with the world leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA.

“During the meetings on the sidelines of UNGA 77th session, the world leaders have expressed sympathy and condolence for the damage caused by floods in Pakistan and assured support to Pakistan with utmost sincerity,” the prime minister said.

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Shehbaz apprised the meeting about his interactions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during which the secretary-general assured him of convening a donors' conference soon for the rehabilitation of the flood victims in Pakistan.

The prime minister also updated the meeting about his telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He added that in the meeting with Microsoft chief and philanthropist Bill Gates.

Shehbaz said he also discussed the matter of taking help from the World Food Programme (WFP) for the flood-affected children. On the occasion, the prime minister received a briefing from the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) on the rehabilitation works.

Shehbaz reached the United Nations on Monday for the 77th session of the General Assembly. During the visit, he held meetings with several leaders, including the presidents of the US and France besides managing director of the International Monetary Fund and others.

On Friday, he addressed the 193-member General Assembly – before his departure for London the same night. In his address the prime minister reminded the world that climate-induced calamity that befell Pakistan would not stay here if urgent action was not taken.

Referring to his speech at the General Assembly, Shehbaz wrote on his Twitter handle on Saturday that he had cautioned the world about the imminent climatic impacts that had been staring at the face of entire humanity.

“Let global response not be guided by cameras but empathy and concern for humankind,” the prime minister said. “The crux of my speech at UNGA was to warn the world of what stares humanity in the face,” he added.

In another tweet, the prime minister maintained that he made it clear to world that Pakistan desired peaceful and good neighbourly relations with India. For this, he added, India should reverse post-August 2019 actions and stop the process of demographic change in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

(With input from APP)