KARACHI: The United States announced on Friday $1 million disaster assistance grant to Pakistan for addressing challenges in the aftermath of natural calamities such as flooding.
The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, announced the grant during a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in Karachi. The US ambassador said the humanitarian assistance is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and it will support the agriculture community of Sindh and Pakistan’s disaster management authorities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces to strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities in the face of floods and other emergencies.
Blome asserted that the people of the US stood with the people of Pakistan during the challenging time, adding, “Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones in the floods across Pakistan and who are also dealing with recovery efforts.”
He mentioned that the US government was committed to helping Pakistan and working side by side with the federal and provincial governments and the international community towards a recovery bound to bring back the dynamic vitality of the Pakistani nation.
The US ambassador also discussed the USAID projects in education and health sectors and other matters of their mutual interest.
On the occasion, the CM Sindh briefed the US ambassador on the losses and damages caused by heavy downpour and added that the heavy rainfall had badly damaged eight districts of three divisions in Sindh.
“Overall 723 dehs have been affected whereas 548 different roads stretching over 2,135.4 kilometres, 45 bridges, 32 shops, 22,817 houses partially and 4,520 completely damaged, 974 livestock perished and crops over an area of 676,484 acres were washed away,” said the CM Sindh.
Shah said heavy rains had so far claimed 130 lives, including 54 males, 11 females, and 65 children while 422 people sustained multiple injuries.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed gratitude for the US government’s efforts, through USAID, to strengthen Pakistan’s disaster management capabilities and work with Sindh communities, most prone to natural calamities. He also mentioned the $155 million Sindh Basic Education Programme (SBEP) funded by USAID with $10 million provincial government contribution.
Justice Babar Sattar heard the contempt of court plea and summoned Anwarul Haq, Member Estate Board and DG Land next...
Deputy Secretary Defence Production Asghar Ali has been transferred and posted as deputy secretary at the Prime...
The FIA cybercrime wing had summoned Marwat to join the probe and record his statement
The source said it was decided to do a proper spade work for the proposed rally of the party possibly on March 23
The scrutiny of nomination papers of 135 candidates will be over by March 19
The company has sought 147% hike in gas prices from the regulator that would put more burden on the inflation-weary...