According to Christian Turner, the British High Commissioner in Pakistan, the United Kingdom has provided an additional £15 million in life-saving help for flood refuges in Pakistan after severe floods claimed 1,186 lives and submerged a third of the nation.
The British diplomat took to Twitter late on Thursday to send his best wishes to Pakistan. His video tweet was accompanied by the words, “Further £15m from the United Kingdom to Pakistan to provide critical lifesaving relief to flood victims.”
Christian Turner begins his video message by expressing his sorrow for the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan in Urdu: “Pakistan Mein Selaab Ki Tabaahi Par Mujhy Dilli Afsos Hai.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pakistan and those working to help them during this terrible time of flooding. In this moment of crisis, the government of the United Kingdom is committed to supporting Pakistan “That’s what he had to say, he clarified.
Meri dua 🇵🇰 kay saath hai. Further £15m from 🇬🇧 to 🇵🇰 to provide urgent life saving support for #FloodsinPakistan@CMShehbaz @BBhuttoZardari @Sherryrehman @NDMA pic.twitter.com/s36PYvn9Te
— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) September 1, 2022
Approximately 10% of the United Nations and the government of Pakistan’s flash appeal was raised thanks to the help announced by the British High Commissioner: “Today the UK government committed a further £15m for flood relief efforts, bringing our total contribution to £16.5 million.”
Further, he emphasized that the focus of this emergency assistance is on preserving lives as the floodwaters continue to spread across the country. Essentials like clean water, proper sanitation, a safe place to sleep, help with minor repairs to homes, and access to primary care doctors will all be a part of this.
The British envoy said it exemplifies the significance of the connection between the two countries and the value of bilateral ties.
“I would also like to thank the British public who are coming together to raise money for flood relief operations, including through the UK Disaster Emergency Committee [DEC] Pakistan appeal which opened today,” he continued.
“The earth’s vulnerability is brought home to us by these floods. This earth is our shared responsibility.
British High Commission in Islamabad released a statement on Thursday saying that Foreign Secretary Liz Truss had announced “lifesaving support” earlier on September 1. The foreign secretary has stated that the UK’s £15 million in humanitarian aid will be used to help give people food, water, and shelter.
A third of Pakistan is under water, an area about the size of the UK, and she stated, “The UK stands with Pakistan, as tens of millions of people face devastating floods.”
With this £15 million package of relief, the United Kingdom has pledged to do everything in its power to ensure that the world’s neediest receive the lifesaving assistance they so desperately need.
The Foreign Secretary’s statement on the UK’s support to Pakistan following devastating floods 👇 pic.twitter.com/nDYvlrNZiQ
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 1, 2022
According to the press release, Pakistan and the United Nations made a joint plea for $160 million on 30 August to aid in the country’s long-term rehabilitation. Damages are expected to exceed $10 billion, according to preliminary assessments.
As the FCDO Minister of State for South and Central Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, stated, “Our eyes have been opened to the dreadful consequences of climate change for millions of Americans. The United Kingdom is constantly communicating with the Pakistani government to ascertain the most urgent and pressing areas of aid.”
“We’re also moving quickly to coordinate with international groups providing on-the-ground assistance to those affected by the disaster. They consist of such organizations as the United Nations and the World Bank. To help Pakistan recover, we will keep working hand in hand with the world community to get the most robust international aid package possible.”
Mahnur is MS(development Studies)Student at NUST University, completed BS Hons in Eng Literature. Content Writer, Policy analyst, Climate Change specialist, Teacher, HR Recruiter.
