The government of Brazil on Wednesday donated $700,000 to United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for life-saving food assistance to the people affected by the current floods in Pakistan. Ambassador of Brazil in Islamabad Alfredo Leoni handed over the cheque to WFP Representative in Pakistan Wolfgang Herbinger. Ms Amna Baloch, Director Brazil Desk in Foreign Office also witnessed the ceremony.
In his welcome address, ambassador said," The people and Government of Brazil are deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods which have affected Pakistan and this amount is our gesture to make people feel that we are there for those affected in these testing times".
This assistance was a reflection of sympathy and act of solidarity of Brazilian people with the people of Pakistan, he said. Talking to Business Recorder on the sidelines of the ceremony, he said being a developing country it was really hard to contribute such huge amount in cash to WFP from the taxpayers' money. But, he said the response of Brazilian people after watching flood victims gory images on TV encouraged government to provide an instant cash assistance for the victims.
To a question, ambassador replied that his government had chosen to provide cash rather assistance in kind because all food items could be purchase locally. This would generate and enhance economic activity in country. To another question, why Brazil chose WFP for disbursement of food items, he replied that they always provided relief assistance to foreign countries through WFP. In the past, they had experiences that WFP always utilised food in best possible way and they always observed and maintained certain level of accountability in food supply mechanism. Responding to a query, he said his government would look into the assessment of massive damage caused by ravaging flood and how could we help on a later stage.
He also appreciated the role of Pakistani government, armed forces, civilian and civil society in war against terror and extremism. He said not only Brazil but whole world recognised the sacrifices been done by Pakistani people to make the world a safer place.
Earlier, Representative of WFP said this timely assistance has more value as it would help save precious lives of hundreds of flood victims in need of food. "With generous support from donors including the recent contribution from Brazil, WFP will able to ensure an uninterrupted supply of life saving food to those who need it the most", he said, adding that they would be able to buy nearly 500 tons of high energy biscuits and wheat which would benefit about 770,000 people, mainly women and children.