We just entered into deal with IMF but all estimates, plans going forward regarding imports, exports washed away with floods: Bilawal
NEW YORK, Sep 24 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for generous international support during the next phases of rehabilitation of flood-hit people and reconstruction of infrastructure. He said that waterborne diseases are spreading in across the affected area. He said that it will take decades to rehabilitate the flood affectees as everything of the flood affectess has been washed away with the flood water. Bilawal Bhutto said that we just entered into deal with the IMF but all estimates, plans going forward regarding imports, exports, et cetera washed away with floods.
He was addressing a news conference as he wrapped up his engagements at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Foreign Minister called for “climate justice” for Pakistan.
He said the total estimated flood damage is over 30 billion dollars economic loss with one-third of the country under water.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan is working on plans for rehabilitation once the flood waters recede and would rebuild the lost infrastructure in a much better way so that they could withstand future natural calamities.
Bilawal Bhutto said that as far as international response is concerned, we are very appreciative. But 33 million Pakistanis today, are paying in the form of their lives and livelihoods for the industrialisation of bigger countries.
Bilawal Bhutto said that going forward, we have to have a comprehensive plan for reconstruction and rehabilitation based on the still to be completed, damage needs assessment.
Bilawal Bhutto said that whatever the international community is doing so far, is just a drop in the ocean. It will take us a long time to recover from this tragedy, he said. He said that the donors conference can only take place once we have a comprehensive damage needs assessment. This cannot be done till the flood water recedes, he said.
Bilawal Bhutto said that the call for climate reparations is one that is being made by activists in Pakistan, across Asia, and all over the world. He said that the reforms would require extensive engagement and will take some time to be achieved. He said that if a country’s carbon output is 0.8%, but they are the 8th most climate stressed country on the planet, they become the epicentre of extreme climate events.
Bilawal Bhutto said that after the visit here, I’ll be making my way to DC for my bilateral engagement with the US. I look forward to meeting United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
He said that everyone in the international community wants to see a peaceful, stable, prosperous Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan along with the rest of the international community is waiting for the interim Afghan regime to implement secondary education for women. He said that Pakistan’s position in the question of Palestine is clear and always has been.
Replying a question, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the people of Iran have long history of protests and democratic struggle, adding that I did note that the Iranian foreign minister has announced to hold investigations into the recent incident of killing of a 22-years old young woman in police custody in Iran and I believe that we are looking forward to see the results.