Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Friday urged the international community to join hands with the government and people of Pakistan for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and people affected by heavy rains and floods.
“While the international community has an obligation to join hands with the government and people of Pakistan for rehabilitation of the IDPs, they are also expected to extend a helping hand for the flood affectees,” Dar said while chairing a meeting here at the Prime Minister’s office.
The meeting was convened to apprise prospective donors about the requirements for rehabilitation of flood affectees and IDPs.
The finance minister drew the attention of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international agencies and development partners, attending the meeting, towards the anti-terror action being taken in North Waziristan Agency.
He said a large number of people were affected in the area and had to leave their homes and hearths, adding to the overall number of IDPs in the country besides the thousands affected by recent floods in Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
Resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs alone needed $2 billion, he added.
The finance minister said a multi-sectoral initial rapid assessment (MIRA) report had already been prepared, giving an overview of the damages caused by the floods. He said a proper transparent, accountable mechanism was in place to receive and disburse all kinds of assistance.
“There would be an oversight committee including donors, representatives of international financial institutions and government officials to keep a check.”
On the occasion, an ambassador of EU said it was worrisome to see Pakistan hit by floods 5th time in a row and the situation called for effective preventive measures.
The ADB country director emphasised the need to put in place some mechanism for rehabilitation activities that could also serve as a model for future. The country director World Bank also expressed the willingness of the WB to help Pakistan on these issues.
A representative from the USAID said his organisation has always been very supportive, adding it was important for donors to assess important areas to focus. Ambassador of Turkey also assured support from his country.
The meeting was attended by High Commissioners of Canada, Australia UK, Malaysia, Ambassadors of France, Argentine, China, EU, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Qatar, Russian Federation, Spain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Country Directors World Bank, ADB, UNDP, Mission Director UISAID, Head of Office UK Department, Development Advisor EU, Delegation of the European Union, Chief representative JICA, acting Deputy chief of Mission USA, Coordinator Humanitarian Aid Swiss Agency, Counselor Development and Head of Aid, CIDA, Country representative UNICEF, Office In charge UNOCHA, Counselor Development Operations AUSAID, Country Representative FAO, Head of Residence Country Office UNRCO, Resident Coordinator, UNRC and Country Representative WHO.
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