Islamabad, 7 October 2022 (TDI): China-donated tents camp provides a safe shelter for flood victims in Matli town of Badin district, Sindh.
Floods in Pakistan and Chinese assistance
The worst flooding Pakistan has ever experienced was triggered by torrential monsoon rains this year. The floods swept away villages and left nearly 3.4 million children needing aid.
Along with numerous public health facilities, water systems, and schools, hundreds of thousands of residences have also been destroyed or damaged. Young children and their families are bound to live outside. There is a lack of food, water, and means of income.
According to the UN report, over 33 million people have been affected by rain, floods, and landslides in various areas of Pakistan. More than 1,100 people, including around 350 children, have died; more than 1,600 people have been injured and approximately 287,000 houses whole and 662,000 houses have been partially damaged.
Along with catastrophic damage to the communications infrastructure, more than 735,000 animals have died and 2 million acres of crops have been negatively impacted.
In such a difficult situation, China once again helped Pakistan.
So far, China has provided 644.1 million RMB in aid to Pakistan, which is worth $90.2 million. In this aid, 400 million RMB from the Chinese government, 100 million RMB from the Chinese army, 125 million RMB from the Chinese people’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, 17 million RMB from the Pakistan Embassy in China and 2.1 million RMB from the Red Cross Society in China are included.
Moreover, on Wednesday, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong called on the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation, China’s flood assistance, and global and regional issues for mutual interest.
Pak-China relations
Pakistan and China formally began their relations in 1950 when Pakistan was among the first countries to end official diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government in Mainland China.
Ever since both countries have put significant importance on maintaining a special relationship and regularly exchanging high-level visits.
The PRC has provided economic, military, and technical assistance to Pakistan, and each country considers the other a close strategic ally.
Also read: China, Pakistan to enhance collaboration & strategic alliance
