US pledges $1m for Pakistan flood relief: Unicef

ISLAMABAD: The United States government, through the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, has committed $1 million to support to the emergency response of the United Nations Fund for Children and Families affected by the recent floods in Pakistan.

In a news release, the UNICEF said through that contribution, it would reach over 65,000 people, including pregnant women and children, with life-saving nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene support.

“Children are always the most vulnerable in emergencies, facing the compounded threats of malnutrition and deadly waterborne diseases. This timely support from the United States enables us to deliver life-saving services and help restore dignity and hope to families who have suffered loss and displacement, as they begin the difficult journey of recovery,” said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside.

This year’s monsoon floods have claimed over 1,000 lives, including 275 children, displaced 2.7 million people and disrupted essential services like health, nutrition, water and education that children rely on.

The UNICEF said with the new funding, it would screen 32,500 children for malnutrition, provide treatment to 2,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and deliver multi-micronutrient supplements to 32,500 children and 32,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women and caregivers.

Also, more than 50,000 people will gain access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services, including restoration of damaged water systems, installation of temporary toilets and distribution of hygiene kits.

Following flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and devastating floods across southern Punjab, the needs are critical, according to UNICEF. It said it was working closely with the government of Pakistan and partners to deliver emergency support to reach the most vulnerable children and women and ensure they are not left behind.

The UNICEF said the humanitarian response was part of its 2025 Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal, which sought $140.9 million to meet urgent needs of children and families affected by emergencies in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, with the US government shutdown already forcing most federal agencies to suspend non-essential operations, the American Embassy in Islamabad has also decided not to actively manage its X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this Twitter/X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the US Mission Pakistan said in an online message.

It, however, said that scheduled passport and visa services at the US Embassy and consulates would continue during the lapse in appropriations “as the situation permitted.”

The shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a new spending bill before the September 30 deadline, when the stopgap measure expired.

With no agreement between Republicans and Democrats, many federal agencies have been left without funds to operate.