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ISLAMABAD: The first batch of relief assistance to the flood-affected people has reached Afghanistan on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
The assistance load was delivered through a special aircraft of Pakistan Air Force. These items included 100 tents, 2 ton wheat, 1 ton rice and 450 kgs sugar. The prime minister said that Pakistan would extend all possible support to the flood-hit people of Afghanistan. The second tranche of relief support would be sent on May 9.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan dispatched one C-130 plane to Mazar-e-Sharif, carrying emergency relief items for the people of Afghanistan hit by flash floods. The items included tents, flour, rice and sugar.
“Pakistan as a neighbouring country has been at the forefront of efforts for provision of humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people and hopes that the international community would also play its active part in providing timely relief and economic assistance to the affected people in Afghanistan,” it was added.
The spokesperson further said that a second plane load of food and shelter items would be sent in a few days as a gesture of goodwill for the flood victims in Afghanistan.
According to Afghan media reports, recent heavy rains and flash floods have killed at least 29 people, injuring scores of others and damaged properties across 12 provinces of Afghanistan.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives and property due to the floods and reiterated solidarity with the Afghan interim government and people.
He had ordered for provision of relief to the flood-affected people and was sending emergency aid to the victims. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and said the international community should come forward to provide emergency assistance to the Afghan people to deal with the devastating effects of the floods in Afghanistan.
He said floods were likely to exacerbate the already ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. He said emergency measures were needed, and the international community, especially the United Nations, should assist Afghanistan and provide food, medical aid and shelter. He said that he was with the Afghan people in this difficult time and he would extend all possible assistance.
