UN Chief urges world support for flood-hit Pakistan

New York: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and the international community to support Pakistan to deal with vast devastation left behind by the unprecedented flood, during a year-end press conference at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

When asked about his expectations from Geneva conference scheduled to be held on 9th of next month aimed at mobilizing support for the flood-hit country for reconstruction work, the UN Secretary-General said: “Pakistan needs strong support as three times area of the country was under water”.

The secretary-general will co-host the Geneva conference with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Antonio Guterres stated that he is in contact with the IMF and World Bank and hoped that these institutions will take meaningful action to support Pakistan.

He added, “Pakistani people deserve and need a strong expression of international solidarity as floods affected 33 million and killed over 1700 people”.

“I am totally committed to do everything possible to mobilize the international community to support Pakistan,” the UN chief told, adding that, “I have been in Pakistan immediately after the floods have occurred and I was dramatically impressed by what I have seen”.