Devastating flood killed fourteen hundred people including four hundred children, says PM

SAMARKAND (92 News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that devastating flood killed fourteen hundred people including four hundred children.

While addressing the annual meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Friday, the prime minister has called for devising a sustainable plan to mitigate adverse impacts of climate change to save future generations. He also appealed the SCO members to stand up and build a wall against the threat of climate change.

“Devastating flood, cloud outbursts and unprecedented rains are result of climate change. Due to this climate change Pakistan faced devastation which has displaced millions of people besides killing fourteen hundred people including four hundred children.” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the calamity has damaged houses of people as well as washed out crops. “The people are also facing diseases in the flood-hit areas. I hope that the country will overcome the situation.”

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to members of the SCO who supported Pakistan in this hour of need.

Talking about situation in Afghanistan, the prime minister said that peace in Afghanistan will ensure peace in Pakistan and the region. “We need to collectively work to support all good initiatives in Afghanistan for its people. Ignoring Afghanistan this time around will be a great mistake.

“Strengthening Afghanistan in the security and counter-terrorism domain should run parallel to SCO's support to the Afghan people in the socio-economic arenas. I urged international community to support efforts to build sustainable Afghan economy and unfreeze its financial assets,” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan has been victim of terrorism itself and the country has paid huge sacrifices in defeating terrorism. “I urged the members of SCO to join hands together in fighting against the menace of terrorism, extremism and separatism.”

The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's strong resolve in advancing the objectives of SCO.