ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom announced an additional £1.2 million for anticipatory flood response in Sindh on Thursday. With this latest support, Britain’s humanitarian aid to Pakistan this year has reached £2.53 million.
Focus on Preparedness and Protection
According to the British High Commission, the new funding will strengthen early warning systems and support timely community evacuations. It will also identify vulnerable households, stock essential relief supplies, and safeguard livestock. Additionally, the plan includes preparing evacuation centres to shelter affected populations safely.
Builds on Earlier Assistance
The announcement follows the UK’s £1.33 million aid package revealed on August 22. That earlier funding supported early flood response and relief in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Strengthening Resilience Against Disasters
Officials said the combined support aims to improve Pakistan’s resilience to recurring climate disasters by focusing on pre-disaster measures. By addressing risks before monsoon emergencies escalate, the UK hopes to reduce casualties, protect livelihoods, and speed recovery for flood-prone communities.
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Iran has formally downgraded its diplomatic relations with Australia following a major dispute over alleged arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne. The move comes as tensions escalate between Tehran and Canberra, marking one of the most significant strains in their bilateral relations in recent decades.
Reciprocal Diplomatic Measures
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had reduced Australia’s diplomatic presence in Tehran. The announcement followed Canberra’s decision to expel the Iranian ambassador last week. Iranian officials said the action was taken under international diplomatic norms, stressing that such a step was a direct response to Australia’s move.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Australia’s ambassador had left Tehran. Despite the downgrade, Iran clarified that its embassy in Canberra would continue providing consular services to Australian citizens.
Australia’s Decision to Expel Iranian Envoy
The diplomatic rift deepened when Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador, its first expulsion of a foreign envoy since World War Two. The decision came after accusations that Tehran had orchestrated two antisemitic arson attacks targeting locations in Sydney and Melbourne.
