PM seeks equitable resource distribution

Reminds over 50 heads of states without south there is no north

PARIS:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on the international community to come up with a plan for fair, equitable, and judicious distribution of resources to ensure sustainable peace and harmony in the world.

Speaking here at the ‘New Global Financing Pact’ summit chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended by over 50 heads of states, the prime minister said north had made progress and they would look forward to implementing its experiences in Pakistan, for providing jobs and livelihoods and for promoting industry and agriculture by learning from its model of success.

Shehbaz said, “It must be remembered that if south is in trouble, the world can’t move ahead. We are like one body and if one limb of the body is in trouble, it is painful for the rest of the body as well.”

The prime minister said last year, Pakistan faced devastating floods due to climate change and in these floods, 33 million people were affected, millions of acres of standing crops were washed away, 1,700 people, including children, died and half a million animals drowned.

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Two million houses were either completely demolished or partially damaged, he said, adding that the people of Pakistan bravely faced the devastating impacts of the floods.

He said his government had to spend hundreds of millions of dollars from its own scarce resources to provide financial assistance to the flood affectees all over the country.

“We are very grateful to friendly countries across the globe for the valuable and timely contribution,” he added.

He said the international financial institutions agreed to give loans to help millions of people, but it would have burdened Pakistan, further exacerbating the already precarious financial situation.

Shehbaz said he took the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the flood-affected areas where city after city was sunk.

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Thousands of women gave birth to children in the camps set up for the flood affectees, he recalled, adding that in the far-flung areas, the government had to provide food, medicine, water and education at temporary camps.

He said people of Pakistan faced crises and problems in the past courageously and they would also overcome the adverse effects of the floods.

He urged the world to come forward to generously provide opportunity and assistance through a mechanism which satisfied the most vulnerable having bare minimum.

 “It will create harmony in terms of economic justice and fairness. It is never too late to say no to injustice.”

He appreciated French President Emmanuel Macron for organising the summit to discuss the very important subject related to financing issues of humanity.

Separately, Shehbaz also met with different world leaders and discussed bilateral ties and cooperation between Pakistan and their respective countries on the sidelines of the summit.

The premier met Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Macron, UN Secretary-General Guterres, President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Special US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

The two-day summit will conclude on June 23 (Friday).

Earlier, the prime minister was warmly received by Pakistan’s ambassador in France and diplomatic officials, besides senior French government authorities.