The government has approached bilateral and multilateral donors for support to meet the projected Rs 80 billion loss caused by recent floods as well as $2 billion for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from North Waziristan, well informed sources revealed to Business Recorder. Sources said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar informed prospective donors that initial estimates suggest that floods have caused more than Rs 80 billion losses and the government expects donors to share the overall loss.
Finance Minister chaired a meeting of prospective donors and briefed them on flood losses. According to the minister, he will be able to give the donors the financial requirements of rehabilitation in the third or fourth week of the current month once the water has receded and a more accurate quantum of losses is determined.
The minister also informed diplomats, representatives of donor agencies and development partners that the anti-terror action being undertaken in North Waziristan is costing around US $2 billion. A large number of people have been displaced and the action is adding to the number of IDPs in the country. Additionally, thousands of families have been affected by recent floods in Punjab, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. An official said the minister stated that as Pakistan is a front-line ally in the war against terrorism, it is the obligation of the international community to join hands with the government to rehabilitate IDPs. "We also expect a helping hand from the donors as well as the world community for the flood-affected people," he reportedly added.
The Finance Minister said a multi-sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) has been finalised by the Asia Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and the UN, and maintained that these three organisations have already offered assistance and indicated their willingness to engage in the rehabilitation process.
A statement issued by the Finance Ministry stated that a representative of Punjab government briefed the meeting about the damages caused by recent floods. He said these were the worst floods in Punjab since 1973 which devastated 3450 villages and displaced over half a million people. He said a rescue operation was carried out and now the focus needed to be shifted to rehabilitation process. The meeting was told that 35,000 beneficiaries had been paid Rs 25,000 each and disbursement had been made in 16 districts of Punjab through 78 disbursement centers. Compensation for each dead had also been paid.
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in his presentation told the meeting that 23 districts in Punjab, five in Gilgit Baltistan and ten in AJK had been badly affected by floods. Overall, 2.41 million acres of land had been inundated. About economic losses, he said Punjab had suffered the highest losses followed by AJK and GB. Damage to life and property was also monumental, he said.
The Chinese Ambassador said his country is in the forefront to offer assistance to Pakistan and would eagerly take part in the future rehabilitation process. Ambassador of the EU said it was worrisome to see Pakistan hit by floods fifth time in a row and the situation called for effective preventive measures.
Country Director ADB emphasised that a mechanism should be in place for rehabilitation activities that could also serve as a model for future. "There is a great interest on our side to work with you. I thank you for calling a timely meeting," he said. Country Director, the World Bank remarked, "We are keen to help". Representative from the USAID said, "We have always been very supportive. It is important for donors to assess which are the important areas to focus. We must focus on the most important areas". Ambassador of Turkey also assured his country's support.
Dar in his concluding remarks stated that the government would ensure that a proper transparent, accountable mechanism was put 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, the Minister added. The Minister further stated that the concerned departments have been directed to complete Recovery Need Assessment (RNA) and Damage Need Assessment (DNA) reports so that a clear picture could be presented before prospective donors and international community regarding the financial requirements for rehabilitation work.
He said a detailed briefing for all the donors would be arranged by the third or fourth week of October. He thanked all participants for their keen interest in extending assistance for the flood affectees.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador of France, High Commissioner Canada, Ambassador of Argentine, Ambassador of China, High Commissioner Australia, Ambassador of EU, Ambassador of Indonesia, Ambassador of Italy, Ambassador of Kuwait, Ambassador of Netherlands, High Commissioner, Malaysia, Ambassador of Qatar, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Ambassador of Spain, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador of the UAE, Country Director the World Bank, Country Director ADB, Mission Director UISAID, Head of Office the UK Department, Development Advisor the EU, Delegation of the European Union, Chief representative JICA, Country Director UNDP, acting Deputy chief of Mission USA, Co-ordinator Humanitarian Aid Swiss Agency, Counsellor Development and Head of Aid, CIDA, Ambassador of Switzerland, Ambassador of Turkey, High Commissioner of the UK, Country representative UNICEF, Office In charge UNOCHA, Counsellor Development Operations AUSAID, Country Representative FAO, Head of Residence Country Office UNRCO, Resident Co-ordinator, UNRC and Country Representative WHO.