Flood-hit Pakistan in need of serious global attention: PM

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan needed the attention of the international community to help the country cope with the grave challenge of relief and rehabilitation.

“Pakistan is passing through difficult times and the havoc wreaked by floods, which is obvious before the world, needs serious attention,” he said in his video statement on the situation of flash floods in the country.

The recent floods in Pakistan inundated one-third of the land, inflicting massive damage to human lives, infrastructure, livestock and crops.

The Prime Minister, who is in New York to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said he was in touch with the authorities concerned back in Pakistan dealing with the post-flood relief and rehabilitation activities.

The Prime Minister urged the local companies manufacturing baby food to meet the required quantity of the commodity to be supplied to the children in the flood-hit areas.

He also stressed for amplifying donation of baby food in order to address the shortage of the stuff. PM Sharif lauded the federal and provincial governments besides the armed forces and the National Disaster Management Authority in carrying out rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities in the flood-affected areas. PM Sharif further said his meetings with the world leaders on the sidelines of 77th session of the UNGA focused on the need to deal with climate change and enhance trade partnerships.

“In my interactions with the world leaders on the sidelines of UNGA Session, I apprised them of the flood disaster and highlighted the need for a collective action to deal with climate change,” he said in a tweet.

PM Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s intent to strengthen ties with other countries relating to trade and economy.

“I also told them Pakistan is keen to build partnerships in the realms of trade and economy,” he said.