UK pledges £3m for Pakistan flood relief

The United Kingdom has announced an initial commitment of £3 million to support emergency relief and response efforts in Pakistan, as the country grapples with the impacts of recent floods and the ongoing monsoon season.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott made the announcement during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday. The two sides discussed humanitarian cooperation, bilateral relations, and recent developments in the region.

Marriott expressed the UK’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan, stressing that the aid will be channelled in coordination with the Government of Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). She also hinted at further support for long-term recovery initiatives.

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Senator Dar appreciated the timely assistance, noting the urgent needs on the ground. He thanked the UK government for recognising the scale of the devastation and standing by Pakistan in its time of need.

The meeting also included discussions on the importance of high-level diplomatic engagements and the evolving regional and international landscape.

Singapore pledges $50,000 aid

Meanwhile, Singapore also pledged $50,000 humanitarian assistance for the victims of flash floods in Pakistan, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

“The Singapore Government will contribute $50,000 as seed money to support the Singapore Red Cross (SRC)’s public fundraising efforts towards the humanitarian crisis, caused by floods in Pakistan,” Singapore Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The contribution by the Singapore government will supplement the SRC’s pledge of $50,000 to support the immediate needs of affected communities, it added. The Singapore foreign ministry also conveyed deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the floods.

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Pakistan Embassy in Singapore said in a statement that the contribution by the Singapore government reflected Singapore’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time. It will support ongoing relief and recovery efforts to assist families and communities impacted by the floods, according to a press release by Pakistan embassy in Singapore.

The Singapore Red Cross launched its fund-raising appeal last week to support those in Pakistan impacted by the mid-August monsoon floods. It also committed $39,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Pakistan and the contribution by the Singapore government will supplement this pledge.

Pakistan is currently grappling with devastating torrential rains and flash floods that have claimed over 900 lives, submerged infrastructure, and left thousands homeless. In light of the worsening humanitarian crisis, foreign aid pledges have begun to pour in from the UK, the European Union, and other countries and international blocs.