Astana: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif On recent floods in Pakistan, has pointed out that the country was bearing the brunt of climate change despite its less than one percent carbon omissions adding that the country is amongst the ten top countries most severely impacted by climate change.
Addressing the 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in Astana, Kazakhstan on Thursday, he thanked the countries that stepped forward in extending assistance to Pakistan to carry out the relief and rehabilitation activities in the flood-affected areas.
He also termed as encouraging the upscale $816 million flash appeal by the United Nations launched to meet the daunting challenge of heavy losses incurred by flash floods.
The prime minister expressed confidence that Pakistan was “determined and committed” to emerge stronger after the flood disaster.
“Pakistan, with the support of its people and the friendly countries, will come out of this problem,” he said.
He apprised that Pakistan needs immediate help to rehabilitate its thirty three million climate refugees affected by the recent devastating rains and floods.
He said Pakistan is living through a colossal climate induced climate. He said unprecedented rains and flooding that have submerged one third of Pakistan are without any doubt the consequence of global warming and climate change.
He said according to initial estimates, the calamity has caused a loss to the tune of over thirty billion dollars.
The Prime Minister said the government has marshalled all the resources at its disposal for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
Expressing his gratitude to the countries who extended support to flood affected people, the Prime Minister said Pakistan looks forward to their continued support as the country transitions to the more daunting phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He said Pakistan is determined to emerge stronger from these floods in a short period of time.
