Contrary to expectations that flood-hit Pakistan would receive aid quickly, almost a month later, the country has not received even half of the pledged money.
The response of the international community to the flash appeal made by the United Nations (UN) after the devastating floods was swift. However, even after 25 days, the community did not keep its word.
Adding insult to injury is the disorganization of the global donors’ conference by not compiling an assessment report quantifying the damage caused by the floods.
On October 4, Pakistan will give a briefing to the member states of the United Nations in New York on the flood disasters. After this briefing, the UN will issue a fresh appeal for aid.
Diplomatic sources said the United Nations has yet to receive a flood damage assessment report, which is required for a global donors’ conference.
Sources added that the international community pledged $150 million in response to the United Nations’ flash appeal of $160.3 million on August 31.
However, after 25 days, Pakistan has received only $59.4 million.
Sources say that the neighboring country India showed indifference to the disastrous situation of Pakistan and did not give even a single penny.
However, the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark and Australia responded the fastest to the UN flash appeal.
Apart from these countries, Sweden, Germany, Japan and the Central Emergency Response Fund also participated in the aid.
Sources said the overall response has been poor as only 10 of the 222 UN member states have so far provided aid to flood-hit Pakistan.
The United States is at the top with an aid equivalent of Rs 9.33 billion, followed by Australia with an aid of Rs 870.81 million.
The Central Emergency Response Fund also contributed about Rs 2.33 billion under the Flash Appeal.
Diplomatic sources said Canada contributed Rs 820.90 million, Denmark Rs 440.60 million, UK Rs 250.23 million, Sweden Rs 180.92 million and Germany Rs 10.28 million.
Pakistan itself contributed Rs.60.62 million.
