Pakistan offers disaster management deal to India

Nawaz said it was an unfortunate reality that South Asia remains one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world.


Our Correspondent September 09, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered India ‘closer collaboration’ in disaster management in the wake of the destruction caused by torrential rains and ensuing flooding on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.

Rain-induced floods have caused widespread destruction, submerging villages and towns, ruining crops and killing hundreds of people in both halves of the scenic state.

In a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif floated the proposal of closer coordination between the two countries in disaster management. He also offered condolences over the loss of lives in Indian Kashmir.

Replying to a letter written by the Indian prime minister, Nawaz said it was an unfortunate reality that South Asia remains one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world.

“As we chart a course to advance our common goals of peace and stability, we must also focus on addressing the deeper causes of recurrent floods and on strengthening the preparedness and resilience of our communities against natural calamities.

I believe closer collaboration in disaster management should be a part of our agenda of peace and development in the region,” he stated in the letter.

“I gratefully acknowledge your letter of September 7, conveying deep sympathies for the people affected in Pakistan by unprecedented monsoon rains and consequent flooding. The offer for assistance in our relief efforts is equally thoughtful. Such solidarity in the face of adversity is indeed valuable,” Nawaz added.

The prime minister said he was anguished to see the scale of human suffering and physical destruction as he toured affected areas of Kashmir the other day.

“I am aware that the Kashmiris on the other side of the Line of Control have also faced heavy loss of life and material damage. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult time, and we remain prepared to extend a helping hand, in whatever way possible, to the efforts for their relief and rehabilitation,” he remarked.

Despite hiccups in their ties, the two countries have offered each other assistance for the affected people living on both sides of the LoC.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2014.

COMMENTS (29)

Abdul Malik | 9 years ago | Reply

@Gp65: Wonder why Pakistanis ignore the flood warnings ?http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/235377-Flood-warning-issued-as-water-level-in-rivers-rise

James | 9 years ago | Reply

@Gp65: Rajnath visited Kashmir on the sixth of Sept followed by Modi on the seventh.Whole scale relief operations started only after Modi declared it as a national disaster.Kashmir was flooded on the fourth itself.It was reported on the fifth that 70 people had lost their lives.What was our PM doing on the fifth.Conducting a PR exercise with school children.If it was a national disaster,then why the delay.

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