As many as 22 people were reportedly killed in the last month’s quake and tens of thousands were displaced. More than 73,000 structures were either destroyed or severely damaged.
Nearer home, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Awaran district in Balochistan, on September 24, killing 825 and injuring hundreds more. Four days later, yet another earthquake shook the same region, killing another 45.
Is it a coincidence that both the countries faced a similar natural disaster around the same time? The threat of global warming has had a big impact on universal climate change. This is an issue that both the countries must address. Extreme precautionary measures need to be taken to minimise the damages if it is not possible to eliminate them.
Pakistan has had good relations with the Philippines, especially in terms of trade and commerce. In 2006, it was estimated that the bilateral trade amounts to around $70 million, most of it comprising pharmaceuticals and garments.
More than 3,000 Filipinos are working as domestic helpers in Pakistan. Furthermore, the Pakistan-Philippines Business Council was developed in order to foster good relations and promote trade-investment opportunities between the two countries.
Economics aside, it is high time for the two countries to work on a framework focusing on extending support and rehabilitation to the victims of natural disasters. The thrust of climate change and its devastating effects is an issue that must be worked around by both Pakistan and the Philippines.
It will not only help strengthen friendly ties but can also prove to be a source of inspiration for other developing countries which have gone through similar calamities.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2013.
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Pakistan hasn't yet provided aid to the victims of 2005 earthquake and the big floods even though it received billions of dollars in aid from foreign countries. How can Pakistan help others?
Pakistan should provide help because it's the right thing to do - if that's not enough then do it to improve your image.
@M. Emad: -its 2013 last time i checked. This PA bashing of yours is pathetic and i dont know who's payroll you are on, but its time to move on! The devastating cyclone that levelled East Pakistan was not started by Pakistan Army. Only Lex Luthor in the Superman movie has those kinds of weapons!
We have our own house to clean.
@M. Emad: Bangladesh still looks like that. It is a poorly managed country, like India.
Photos of the Phillippine Typhoon Haiyan look like a 1971 East Pakistani (Bangladesh) ‘laveled’ town aftermath of Pakistani Army’s operation the previous day.
Pakistanis only take from rest of the world they contribute nothing to others in time of need.
We should send aid to help all of our friends in their time of need.