Article Type

Article

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The devastation caused by the floods is unparalleled in Pakistan’s history. It has come at a time when Pakistan is already contending with the enormous losses incurred in fighting the terrorists and a global economic crisis.

No country with the resources and capacity of Pakistan could have been expected to meet the assault on the economy by these shocks. Pakistan’s response will depend upon the degree of stimulus provided by both the domestic and international community. Over the next few months, coordinated relief efforts to provide food, safe water and hygienic living conditions will have to be accelerated. As the floodwaters recede and a more accurate picture emerges of the extent of damage, planning and preparation for the next phase, i.e. rehabilitation, the restoration of livelihood and infrastructure reconstruction should begin. The immediate task would be to facilitate the return of approximately four million families to their respective habitats and enable them to make the transition from dependence to earning livelihoods. Cash grants, microfinance loans, the supply of seeds, fertilisers, bullocks, implements and housing material can be financed from allocations from the Benazir Income Support Programme, funds at the parliamentarians’ disposal, the People’s Works Programme, the Poverty Alleviation Fund, Baitul Mal and Zakat and provincial development budgets.

Publication Source

Dawn

Publication Date

9-8-2010

Pages

1-3

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