The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have offered their help to Afghanistan and Pakistan to deal with the recovery and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit the two nations this week, killing over 300 people.
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a statement, “I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the people affected by the earthquake that has tragically struck the northern regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and in particular to the families of the victims.”
“The immediate concern is to provide as much relief as possible to these areas, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the survivors of this tragedy,” she said.
“The IMF will continue to support Afghanistan and Pakistan and stands ready to help them respond to this tragic event,” Lagarde said.
Meanwhile, talking to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, WB Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan said the World Bank is ready to offer any assistance needed for relief activities.
The WB official also expressed deep sense of grief and sorrow over the damage caused by the natural disaster that struck Pakistan on Monday.
He said the World Bank would continue to finance different projects in Pakistan and that he looked forward to strengthening Pak-World Bank cooperation in future.
