The United Nations General Secretary António Guterres has arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit to support Pakistan’s response to the unprecedented flooding crisis the country is facing.
Arriving in Islamabad shortly after midnight on Friday, officials hope that Guterres’ visit will boost international support for the country. “I appeal for massive support from the international community as Pakistan responds to this climate catastrophe,” he said upon his arrival.
I have arrived in Pakistan to express my deep solidarity with the Pakistani people after the devastating floods here.
I appeal for massive support from the international community as Pakistan responds to this climate catastrophe.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 8, 2022
Guterres will also be visiting the places worst-hit by flooding in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, and will be meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and will hold joint press conferences with both as well. He will also visit the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre (NFRCC).
#UN Sec. General @antonioguterres arrived in Islamabad in early hours of Friday on a two-day visit to express solidarity with the people of #Pakistan braving a colossal climate-induced natural disaster caused by unprecedented rains and #floods across the country pic.twitter.com/vYYQERGEJe
— Shahzaib Wahlah (@ShahZaib_Wahlah) September 9, 2022
“This visit will make the world better understand the devastation caused by the floods,” Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan has not contributed to climate change in a meaningful way, and yet experiences the most devastating effects of it.
"Pakistan has not contributed in a meaningful way to climate change," says the Secretary-General of the United Nations, "But it is one of the most dramatically affected country. It is essential for this to be recognised by countries which have contributed most to climate change."
— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) September 9, 2022
Previously on Aug 30, the UN chief had launched a $160m appeal to help the millions “shattered” by the devastating flooding in Pakistan. Terming the calamity it a “monsoon on steroids”, he said the rains and subsequent flooding had resulted in a death toll exceeding 1,000.
The Pakistani people are facing a monsoon on steroids. More than 1000 people have been killed – with millions more lives shattered.
This colossal crisis requires urgent, collective action to help the Government & people of Pakistan in their hour of need. pic.twitter.com/aVFFy4Irwa
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 30, 2022
