Diplomatic sources said Pakistan needs a total of US$16.8 billion for the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of more than 33 million flood-affected people.
“We are trying our level best to arrange half or US$8.1 billion of the total US$16.8
billion from our own resources and for the remaining US$8.1 billion we are
hopeful that the international community will extend its support generously so
that the vast affected population of the country is rehabilitated,” a
diplomatic source said.
When asked how the huge amount of around US$8 billion could be arranged in such
a grave economic situation, he explained that the amount would not be spent in
one go, rather it is a process and the amount would be generated from Public
Sector Development Program (PSDP), as well as, from the public-private
partnership.
To another question, he said that to the UN flash appeal of US$816 million,
more than US$200 million have been received so far from the international
community.
In an informal interaction, a senior Foreign Office official said that
Pakistan, in coordination with the donor agencies, will present “Resilient,
Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework” before the International
Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan being held in Geneva on January 09.
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UN Secretary-General António
Guterres will co-host the conference while various world leaders including
French President Emmanuel Macron and others will also participate.
To a question, he said that France has been very supportive in providing the
required assistance for the flood-affected people of Pakistan, adding that
Pakistan is also in touch at the highest level with various countries to ensure
their participation at heads of state and heads of government level.
The official expressed confidence that the international community will express
solidarity with Pakistan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of
flood-affected areas.
“Pakistan is in touch with all the important capitals and a high-level
participation from them is expected in the conference,” the official said,
adding that the event should also be seen in the context of a diplomatic
achievement of Pakistan.
He said that the prime minister has instructed that a small delegation from
Pakistan will be accompanying him to the conference while all the provinces
have also been asked to ensure their participation either at the level of chief
ministers or ministers.
About the transparency in spending international assistance, he said that a
procedure has been devised with regard to spending the money in a transparent
manner and it will be announced in the proposed “Resilient, Recovery,
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework”.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office said in a statement that the Conference will serve as
a platform to marshal international support for the people and Government of
Pakistan to build back better in a resilient manner after the recent
devastating floods, as the country transitions from the rescue-and-relief phase
towards the monumental task of recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
It added that Pakistan will present the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and
Reconstruction Framework (4RF) at the Conference, and seek international
support and long-term partnerships for its implementation.
The 4RF document outlines a prioritized and sequential Plan,
defined at the Federal and Provincial levels, and includes the financial
mechanism and institutional arrangements for its execution in an open, transparent
and collaborative manner.
The Conference will feature a high-level opening segment, to be co-chaired by
the Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General, followed by the official
launch of the 4RF document and partner support announcements.
The Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General will also hold a joint press
stakeout.
At the Conference, according to the statement the Prime Minister will outline
Pakistan’s vision for rehabilitating the affected population and reconstructing
the damaged infrastructure in a resilient manner, with the support of
development partners, and the country’s transition towards a more dynamic and
sustainable economic development model.
Federal Ministers from Pakistan will elaborate on the 4RF document and also present
Pakistan’s long-term plan for building climate resilience and adaptation, it
added.
It added that the perspectives of the four provinces will be articulated by
their representatives.
Heads of State and Government, Ministers and high-level representatives from
several countries and International Financial Institutions, Foundations and
Funds, as well as from international development organizations, private sector,
civil society and INGOs will participate in the Conference, it added.
“The Conference will help Pakistan in forging a long-term partnership with its
friends and development partners on the basis of the 4RF document, and serve as
a demonstration of international solidarity with the people of Pakistan as they
commence the journey towards rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” it added.
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