Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to collaborating closely with the United Nations and its Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to bolster global humanitarian cooperation, disaster readiness, and support for vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
According to Radio Pakistan, Sharif made these comments during a meeting with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher in Islamabad. The Prime Minister commended the invaluable work undertaken by OCHA in addressing complex emergencies worldwide and acknowledged its ongoing support to Pakistan, particularly during the severe floods of 2022. He expressed gratitude for the organization’s assistance in enhancing Pakistan’s disaster response capabilities.
Sharif highlighted the significant progress made by Pakistan’s national and provincial disaster management institutions in responding to climate-induced disasters. However, he stressed that the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events require greater preparedness, resilience, and enhanced coordination among national, regional, and international stakeholders.
Tom Fletcher, in his remarks, thanked the Prime Minister for the meeting and praised the enduring partnership between Pakistan and OCHA. He acknowledged Sharif’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability, asserting that sustainable peace is crucial for addressing the humanitarian and economic impacts of conflicts. Fletcher also briefed Sharif on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the challenges faced by OCHA in delivering urgent aid to affected populations, while expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s support to OCHA’s efforts in Afghanistan.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, and other senior officials.