Pledging continued support for Pakistan's flood recovery effort, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Mohamed bin Hammam has said the reconstruction phase following the current relief work will require more international aid overtime than committed to the key South Asian country after a deadly earthquake in 2005.
"What makes this unique is the scale of the disaster and its effect throughout the entire country," Hammam said. He expressed commensurations and condolences on massive loss of lives and colossal damage to properties and infrastructure caused in flood-ravaged Pakistan and assured humanitarian aid to help deal with the disaster.
In a letter to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President, Hammam said: "I have been following news of the hideous tragedy in your country and would like to express my deep sympathy to the Pakistani families. I will follow the matter with FIFA as well as AFC and I pledge my all possible support to you."
"As rescue and prevention efforts continue, allow me to express profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the people of Pakistan on my behalf and that of AFC," Hammam said, adding, "Please rest assured that we stand ready to provide all the assistance Faisal-led PFF may desire."
"The plight of the people of flood is a terrible one. They are the innocent victims of the tragedy. Many families are living out in the open. They need help and our attention. I am sure all the sports association will respond with resilience and determination," he said.