ISLAMABAD: The government sought help from the international community on Friday to rehabilitate around a million people displaced by floods and the military operation in North Waziristan.

The appeal was made by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar at a preliminary donor’s conference attended by representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, aid agencies, development partners and United Nation’s agencies.

He said a formal donor conference would be convened by the end of the month after completing relief and damage need assessments by reputed international agencies. The initial response is encouraging, say official sources.

The minister drew the attention of the participants to the anti-terror action being taken in North Waziristan and said it had forced a large number of people to leave their homes, adding to the overall number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from tribal areas. Besides, recent floods have also displaced a large number of people in Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

He said resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs from North Waziristan alone needed $2 billion.

While the international community had an obligation to join hands with the government in rehabilitating the IDPs, he said, they were also expected to extend a helping hand for the people affected by floods.

Mr Dar said a multi-sector initial rapid assessment report had been prepared, giving an overview of the damage caused by floods.

He particularly thanked the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency and United Nations, which had offered assistance and wanted to be engaged in the rehabilitation process.

A representative of the Punjab government briefed the meeting on the damage caused by the floods. He said the worst floods in the province in five decades had destroyed 3,450 villages and displaced over half a million people.

After the water receded, he said, one could have a better picture of the actual damage.

He said 35,000 affected people had been paid Rs25,000 each in 16 districts of Punjab. Compensation for each life lost has also been paid at the rate of Rs1.6 million.

The Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, Maj Gen Saeed Aleem, said 23 districts in Punjab, five in Gilgit-Baltistan and 10 in AJK had borne the brunt of the floods and 2.41 million acres of land had been inundated. Damage to life and property was monumental.

Some of the diplomats and representatives of aid agencies also spoke on the occasion. The Chinese ambassador said his country would offer assistance and eagerly take part in rehabilitation work.

The Ambassador of European Union, Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, said it was worrisome to see Pakistan hit by floods fifth time in a row and the situation called for effective preventive measures.

The Country Director of the ADB, Dr Werner Liepach, said a mechanism should be put in place for rehabilitation activities which could also serve as a model for future. “There is a great interest on our side to work with you,” he said.

The Country Director of the World Bank, Rachid Benmessaoud, said his institution was keen to help.

USAID Mission Director to Pakistan Gregory Gottlieb said: “We have always been very supportive. It is important for donors to assess important areas to focus.”

Turkish Ambassador Sadik Babur Girgin also assured of support from his country.

Mr Dar said the government would ensure that a transparent and accountable mechanism was put in place to receive and disburse assistance. There would be an oversight committee including representatives of donors, international financial institutions and government officials, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 4th , 2014