Pakistan

World has pledged more than $1b: Kaira

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said the floods have claimed 1,645 lives.

August 30, 2010

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira on Monday said the floods have claimed 1,645 lives and left another 2,479.

Speaking at a press conference, Kaira announced that more than 1.3 million people have been rescued from the flood-hit areas. He informed that the international community has pledged more than $1 billion in aid to help flood victims.

He also announced that 7 million children will be vaccinated against waterborne diseases in the month of September.

Kaira said that roads including the Indus Highway, and the Jagloat-Skardu section of the Karakorum Highway have been opened for traffic. The road from Torkhum to Karachi has also been made operational.

Shelter for flood victims top priority

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the government needs $3 billion immediately to help victims rebuild their homes.

During his meeting with General of the Islamic Conference Akmaluddin Ehsan Oglo, Gilani said cash compensation will be given to the flood victims to rebuild their houses.

He said provision of shelter to flood victims is the government's top priority and commended the OIC's role in helping the flood victims.

COMMENTS (4)

Zulfiqar Haider | 13 years ago | Reply The World Bank pledging more than $ 1 billion would contribute a lot in giving relief and will also boost up the rehabilitation efforts.

Shahryar Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Wow! A whole 1 billion, mighty impressive. If my memory serves me correctly, wasn’t it in 2005 earthquake when Pakistan received over USD 8 billion (commitments) which materialized too quiet some extent around 4 - 5 billion & wasn’t that during the time of a certain so called Dictator? hmmmmmm. I guess he must have coerced the whole world into giving him money, am i correct Mr. CJP, Aatizaz Ahsan ; all the Lawyers Movement Leaders, Civil Society & ofcourse Mr. Zardari/Sharif? Now after witnessing the worst disaster if not in mankind but in Pakistan, with over 20 million people affected (according to TV reports), with around 30% of Pakistan's land mass (agricultural land as well) under water & after over a month we receive USD 1 billion under a democratically elected government, WOW!!!! This speaks volumes of our current set up. Food for thought!