Islamabad: Millions of dollars were raised in a live fundraising campaign by former prime minister Imran Khan for Pakistanis affected by deadly floods.
More than Rs5 billion (500 crores) or $22.5 million were raised in the international telethon within three hours of the live broadcast on Monday night. Imran Khan participated in the telethon attended by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, celebrities and media persons.
Pakistanis at home and abroad donated generously to help their fellow citizens as the devastating flash floods have affected more than 33 million people. A billionaire from Houston pledged Rs2.2 billion ($10 million) for the rehabilitation of flood-affected communities while British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan announced Rs5 million for flood victims during the live telethon.
Pakistani individuals, relief organisations and government agencies have joined hands to help the flood victims, get them food, water and medicines, and provide shelter and other supplies as hundreds of thousands are homeless.
At least 1,100 have lost their lives, more than 1,600 are injured since mid-June and nearly 500,000 people are now in relief camps, officials said. The floods after heavy monsoon rains destroyed more than 900,000 homes, and swept away villages, crops and cattle, damaged hundreds of kilometres of roads and bridges across all four provinces. The economic losses caused by the severe floods could amount to $10 billion, according to officials.
Talking to Pakistanis on live phone calls during the telethon, Imran Khan said he was deeply touched by the spirit of Pakistanis who contributed generously to meet the urgent needs of flood victims. “Overseas Pakistanis feel the pain of their countrymen and are always ready to help whenever we go through a difficult time,” he said. Khan also called for coordinated efforts among relief organisations and setting up an online platform to connect donors and volunteers on the ground with the urgent needs of flood victims across Pakistan to best utilise funds and avoid duplication while making the donation system more transparent and effective.
As the catastrophic flash flooding continues to claim lives and cause destruction in Pakistan, the global community has also stepped forward to help the flood victims. The UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, US, UK, EU, UN and others have pledged financial and in-kind donations to the disaster appeal but Pakistani officials say more funds are needed to respond to the floods. The UN has allocated US$3 million, the European Union (EU) announced 1.8 million euros, the UK pledged up to 1.5 million pounds worth of humanitarian aid, the US announced around $1 million grant, and Azerbaijan has pledged to provide $2 million in aid.
Pakistan’s government is leading the humanitarian response for people in the affected areas and has pledged Rs25,000 (US$112) in immediate cash relief. Around Rs5 billion have been issued to NDMA to compensate the flood victims. The government is also providing Rs1 million (US$4,515) compensation to the families of those killed in the floods, Rs250,000 (US$1,128) for injuries and for partially damaged houses and Rs500,000 (US$2,258) for destroyed houses.
