Kerry-Lugar funds for flood relief allowed

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives has authorised using funds from a $7.5 billion, five-year aid package for flood relief and recovery works in Pakistan.

The resolution, introduced by chairman of the powerful House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Howard Berman, was adopted on Thursday by 396 to 2 votes.

The measure supported the use of funds authorised by the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 for “providing long-term recovery and rehabilitation for flood-affected areas and populations”.

The resolution also approved a re-examination of priorities for spending the funds authorised by this act, popularly known as the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill. The new priorities will ensure that “the needs of the Pakistani people are appropriately addressed in the aftermath of the flood disaster”.

The resolution urged the US and other foreign governments and NGOs to continue providing assistance to the people of Pakistan and to help strengthen and support the Pakistan government to meet the needs of its people.

Mourning the significant loss of life, as well as the physical damage, caused by the flooding in Pakistan; the resolution noted that Pakistan was and remained a close ally and friend of the United States.

It also recognises that “an effective and accountable government in Pakistan is essential for the country’s long-term recovery and stability”.

The resolution reaffirmed “the commitment of the people of the United States to partner with the people of Pakistan to respond to the immediate crisis and build the foundations for a successful and lasting recovery”.

The House noted that “an effective and accountable government in Pakistan is essential for the country’s long-term recovery and stability”.

It pointed out that the heavy rainfall that began on July 22, and the subsequent flooding, had caused a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions, affecting over 20 million people, killing more than 1,750, injuring over 2,700, and damaging or destroying upwards of 1,800,000 houses.

The House noted that the floods had affected 30 per cent of all agricultural land and could lower by one-half Pakistan’s economic growth rate for the current fiscal year, destabilising a nation already beset by multiple daunting challenges.