Pakistan Seeks Global Support for Rebuilding and Rehabilitation Efforts

Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Geneva to co-chair an international conference with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, aiming to garner support for the country's rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts after the devastating 2022 floods. The conference, scheduled for January 9, will focus on outlining a comprehensive post-disaster framework plan for recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction with resilience. The prime minister will utilise the opportunity to present the case of Pakistan's flood-affected population before the world and highlight the steps taken by his government for their relief and rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2022 floods submerged a third of Pakistan, resulting in over 1,700 deaths and affecting over 30 million others, with a total damage estimated at more than $16 billion.
• The UN has stated that the country needs $16.3 billion to recover from the devastating floods and to better resist the impact of climate change.
• Pakistan hopes to cover half of this amount through its own domestic resources, leaving the rest to be met through donor support.
• A previous appeal for $816 million to help the victims of Pakistan's cataclysmic monsoon floods has so far resulted in less than half that amount.
• The conference aims to mobilise support as Pakistan tries to rebuild after the massive floods, with the UN and Pakistani representatives describing it as a pivotal moment for the global community to stand with the people of Pakistan.
• The conference will be the beginning of a multi-year process, with the prime minister and the UN secretary general to hold a joint press stakeout.

Statistics:

• Over 30 million people were affected by the 2022 floods in Pakistan.
• The floods resulted in over 1,700 deaths.
• The total damage from the 2022 floods in Pakistan is estimated at over $16 billion.
• The UN seeks $16.3 billion to help Pakistan recover from the devastating floods.
• Pakistan hopes to cover $8.15 billion (half of the total amount) through its own domestic resources.
• A previous appeal for $816 million to help the victims of Pakistan's cataclysmic monsoon floods has so far resulted in less than half that amount.

Sources:

• Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's Twitter statement.
• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' press conference.
• Knut Ostby, the UN Development Programme's representative in Pakistan.
• Syed Haider Shah, who heads the UN division in Pakistan's foreign ministry.
• Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's UN envoy in Geneva.