International community and financial institutions have come forward to help the flood victims of Pakistan by announcing flood aid of over 10 billion dollars in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan. The Islamic Development Bank, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Saudi Arabia, Asian Infrastructure Bank, European Union, China and France have pledged to help Pakistan. Turkey, Switzerland, Norway, Russia and Japan have also promised to participate in rehabilitating the flood victims across the country.
The Climate Resilient Pakistan conference took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres jointly hosted the conference. PM Shehbaz Sharif presented a plan for the rehabilitation of flood victims and the rebuilding of infrastructure.
The plan stated that Pakistan needs $16.5 billion for affected areas, out of which $10 billion will be spent on basic facilities & infrastructure and over $4 billion to restore business activities.
During the conference, several countries stepped up to support Pakistan. The United Kingdom pledged £540 million, China announced $10 million, Germany was determent to provide €84 million, while Japan said to extend $77 million in aid.
The Islamic Development Bank announced an aid of $4.20 billion. The Asian Development Bank approved an emergency flood relief package of $557 million. French President Emmanuel Macron promised to issue $10 million for flood affectees.
During the conference, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the economy of Pakistan is severely affected due to floods. He thanked the nations that have extended their helping hand towards Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif said he was grateful for the participation of different nations in the conference. Shehbaz Sharif added people of Pakistan would always remember the support of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the international community that helped in the time of trouble.