ISLAMABAD: The ambassadors of China, the United States and the United Kingdom have assured Finance Minister Ishaq Dar of their full support to Pakistan for the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas as Islamabad sought the support of the international community to provide all possible assistance. trying to disaster victims.
According to the finance division, the ambassadors held separate meetings with the finance minister on Tuesday, where issues related to bilateral relations, economy and government work in flood-affected areas were discussed.
The unprecedented flooding caused by historic monsoon rains washed away roads, crops, infrastructure and bridges, killing more than 1,000 people and affecting more than 33 million people, out of the country’s population of 220 million. is more than 15%.
In a meeting with outgoing British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner along with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) consultant Michael Barber, Dar apprised them of the ongoing post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes.
British High Commissioner, H.E Dr. Christian Turner along with UNDP Consultant Sir Michael Barber called on Federal Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and deliberated on relief and rehabilitation work in flood affected areas in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/VR60HXE0Ht
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) December 6, 2022
The finance czar revealed that the overall reconstruction and rehabilitation phase will take five to seven financial years.
Senator Dar apprised the officials about the overall economic scenario of the country and also informed that Pakistan is meeting its external financial obligations and has recently paid off a $1 billion bond.
Briefing on the policies and measures taken by the government to protect the weaker sections of the society, Dar mentioned that the Center has revenue and expenditure allocations to meet its national and international financial needs. is a “comprehensive and practical” program. Duties.
Turner, whose tenure as High Commissioner ends next month, praised the practical steps taken by the government and the British government’s response to the socio-economic impact of the post-flood crisis on the Pakistani people. Offered all possible help to reduce.
‘Realistic Plan’
Meanwhile, in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, Dar highlighted the long-standing and deep ties between the two countries.
“It was shared that China and Pakistan have strong bilateral relations on a number of economic avenues,” the finance division said in a statement.
The two leaders discussed deepening these relations in the economic and financial sectors.
The finance minister expressed grief over the death of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin and said that it is a great loss for China and Pakistan as the deceased was a great friend of Islamabad.
Senator Dar briefed the ambassador about the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation program of the current government after the floods.
H.E Mr. Nong Rong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China called on Federal Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today and exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations in economic and financial sectors between both the countries. pic.twitter.com/qBLKUQdib5
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) December 6, 2022
Appreciating the support of the Chinese government in this difficult time, the finance minister said that the government is taking various measures to protect the weaker sections of the society.
He also said that the government of Pakistan has a “realistic plan” to deal with any costs incurred in terms of reconstruction and rehabilitation programs in the flood-affected areas.
The finance minister further told the Chinese ambassador that the government is committed to completing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and meeting all external debt repayments on time.
The Chinese ambassador appreciated the government’s policy measures to maintain and enhance fiscal and monetary stability.
He expressed goodwill and assured the Chinese government’s continued support to Pakistan, adding that Beijing stands with the people of Pakistan and is ready to provide all possible assistance.
‘Comprehensive, practical’
The Finance Minister, while meeting US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom, highlighted the historic and sustainable bilateral relations with the US on the economic and trade fronts.
According to a statement, the meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Finance Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Shaikh and other senior officers of the Finance Division.
The Finance Minister briefed the US Ambassador on the ongoing post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation projects being undertaken by the government.
“It was also shared that the present government is very much concerned about the welfare of the people and hence various measures are being taken in this regard.”
According to the statement, the two sides also discussed other matters of common interest during the meeting.
H.E. Mr. Donald Blome, Ambassador of the USA called on Federal Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, today and discussed various avenues for mutual cooperation between both the countries. pic.twitter.com/bJyAfntZt1
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) December 6, 2022
The Finance Minister apprised the US Ambassador of the government’s comprehensive and practical plans for revenue and expenditure to meet its national and international fiscal obligations.
American Ambassador Bloom also expressed the same sentiments on bilateral relations between the United States and Pakistan.
He acknowledged the huge economic losses caused to Pakistan by the flood crisis and said that the US government stands by Pakistan in this difficult time.
Appreciating America’s support, the finance minister said that Washington has always supported Pakistan in difficult times.
Senator Dar emphasized on various economic avenues in which the two countries can further deepen their economic ties.
