Oslo:To coordinate and mobilize the efforts of Pakistani community in Norway for relief of the people affected by floods in Pakistan, the Embassy organized a meeting of Diaspora comprising of representatives of Pakistani community organizations, social, welfare and religious organizations, prominent diaspora members, Norwegian and Pakistani journalists.
Ambassador Babar Amin briefed the participants on the latest situation of the flood, and widespread destruction in a large part of Pakistan. The floods have so far affected 33 million people, while more than 1300 human lives have been lost with hundreds of thousands people displaced.
The economic loss is estimated to be US$10 billion with loss to agriculture, industry, damage to public and private infrastructure, roads, railways, bridges, 50,000 demolished and commercial buildings etc. In the agriculture sector more than 4 million acres of crops damaged and almost 800,000 perished livestock, which, has led to a sharp increase in food insecurity.
Ambassador mentioned said that the Norwegian government has announced a NOK 25 million aid for the relief and food security of people affected by floods in Pakistan. He added that the people of Pakistan are grateful to the Norwegian government and its people for the support and solidarity in this hour of need and is also reflective of close and friendly between our two countries. He also mentioned that Pakistan is engaging with the Norwegian government, to establish a meaningful cooperation to counter climate-driven catastrophe.
Ambassador made an impassioned appeal to the community to step forward and help affectees in Pakistan, who have been hit by unprecedented monsoon rains and floods. He said that our community has not only been making huge contributions towards strengthening Pakistan-Norway ties but has always been at the forefront in responding to any call for help from Pakistan.
Recalling the past calamities of 2005 earthquake, flash floods of 2010, and Covid-19 pandemic, the Ambassador lauded the Pakistani Diaspora in Norway for helping their brothers and sisters in Pakistan. The Ambassador expressed the hope that the Diaspora would also step forward this time, to help communities in distress in Pakistan to relieve their suffering and meet their needs for shelter, food, healthcare and rehabilitation.
Ambassador urged the participants to send whatever amount they can afford to the ‘Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022’. In this regard, the Ambassador informed about opening of a dedicated bank account for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022 by the Embassy for collection of donations for flood victims in Pakistan. He also apprised the community about the procedure for making donations for flood victims through the IBAN numbers of major commercial banks in Pakistan, under the directions of the State Bank of Pakistan. In addition, Roshan Digital Account (RDA) holders can make donation to Flood Relief Fund through Roshan Samaji Khidmat page/portal.
The participants expressed condolences on the loss of lives and assured to further engage the community for a coordinated relief efforts to meet the need for immediate assistance across the country.