Depleting flood funds

Climate change minister Sherry Rehman has raised serious concerns about the post-flood situation in Pakistan. Nearly 20 million people are currently being supported through humanitarian aid while the UN funding appeal has received only one third of its $816 million target. There is a serious threat that a severe humanitarian crisis could unleash if funds replenish and therefore, a call is being made to donor agencies to share the unprecedented burden Pakistan has been unjustly dealing with.

Statistics provided by the UN have further raised alarm as predictions show that 8.4 to 9.1 million people will be pushed below the poverty line if they are not adequately protected or supported. The situation should urge Pakistani officials to approach all possible forums – domestic and international. The climate change minister needs to work hand in hand with the Foreign Office to devise a plan and exert pressure on international dignitaries – especially those who so early claim to protect the global order – to send climate funds to our cash-strapped nation. This is the time to leverage any and all possibilities before it is too late for millions of vulnerable people. The aftermath of the floods has shown the immense importance that ‘loss and damage’ funds will have and Pakistan must push to streamline it as fast and possible. Apart from this, the government in collaboration with the UN can set up a fund account and seek help from the Pakistani diaspora worldwide. Local help must also be continuous and as winters approach, warm clothing and food will be essential for flood-affected communities.

A concerted response can have a far greater effect than multiple sporadic responses. Ideally, all resources from all agencies must be pooled in and a collective plan be devised to respond to prioritised target areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2022.

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