Global flood aid and loans received so far
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Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and |
Officials of the Economic Affairs Division told the committee that
of the total financial assistance, international development partners had
provided $3.64 billion in loans and $435.03 million in grants.
The meeting was told that development partners and countries have
sent relief funds to the flood victims.
The meeting of the committee was presided over by Senator Attaur
Rehman and was attended by senators Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Nuzhat Sadiq, Saadia
Abbasi, Dost Muhammad Khan, Tahir Bazinjo and Hidayat Ullah.
The meeting was informed that of the total loan amount, the World
Bank had lent 1.78 billion dollars while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has
provided a loan of 559 million dollars. Similarly, the Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank has also provided a $500 million loan.
The meeting was informed that of the total grant, ADB provided a
grant of $8.28 million, while Islamic Development Bank (IDB) provided a grant
of $700,000.
The meeting was informed that the United Nations, together with
the Government of Pakistan, launched a flash appeal for $160.3 million on
August 30, 2022, of which $148 million has been pledged under humanitarian
commitments by September 15, 2022.
However, the revised appeal calls for an immediate $816 million to
meet the growing critical needs of the people - an increase of $656 million
from the initial appeal of $160 million.
United Nations organizations WHO, UNFPA and FAO provided financial
assistance of $3.06 million, while China also provided $112.33 million for
rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas.
The United States contributed more than $95 million, while Japan
contributed $7 million.
The meeting was informed that Canada, Australia, European Union,
United Kingdom and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
(ECHO) provided grants of $4.22 million, $3.48 million, $19.57 million, $62,
$52 million and $30.67 million respectively.
Senator Sadia asked the authorities to guarantee transparency in
the use of funds and submit a progress report to the committee in two months.
Provincial governments, PDMAs and NDMA, have a mandate of
district-wise utilization of foreign assistance.
It was highlighted that the World Bank itself was monitoring the
whole process and recommended private experts to overlook the process.
The meeting also considered the agenda of the damage caused to
Mohmand Dam during the recent rains and floods.
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