Pakistan still need international community's support: UN
The special envovy expressed these views during a day-long visit to review rehabilitation and development projects completed under the aegis of UNICEF, UN Habitat and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) at Pir Dargai Shah, Gahribabad and Ara Akbar Shah.
He said he was pleased to see that tireless effort was being made to establish a tent school at Pir Dargai Shah, tehsil Kot Addu, having enrolment of 280 children .
He said, the UNICEF along with non-governmental organisations would help meet educational needs of children as well as their parents to "rebuild Pakistan".
Soysal said, UN teams had already visited the area three times earlier.
He admitted that Pakistan was still in dire need of support of international community, especially for the agri sector which was almost demolished during the flood.
"We can't say that we have done enough, it is time that world should do more for rehabilitation work, to ensure early recovery and providing aid from donors countries", he said.
He said, "We are planning to continue rehabilitation work. There is a need to remain vigilant and ensure coordination among district and provincial governments and UN agencies to support local community."
The UN special envoy assured every support to the affected families along with community schools and building skills.
The UN delegation headed by the ambassador Mr Soysal also saw newly-built irrigation channels and shelter homes completed under UN agencies at different places. He mixed with the locals in a quite friendly environment.
"I feel today like a Pakistani, though I am a Turkish. Your sufferings are my sufferings, your happiness is my happiness and your hopes are my hopes", he said while expressing his feelings.
The ambassador hailed Japanese assistance, saying that it could not withdraw from its pledges despite facing worst disaster in their own country. He said, no country alone could face such disastrous situation.
Field Security Coordinator for UNO, Sliwak Stahislan also spoke on the occasion. He sought close coordination of media with locals to help create awareness among people for securing their rights.
Meanwhile, DCO Tahir Khursheed, who accompanied the UN envoy said, out of total budget of Rs. 5.3 billion, the district administration was spending Rs. 3.1 billion on education and Rs. 1.3 on health sector.
He said, Punjab government was supporting by providing funds for infrastructure in 2500 schools in the flood-hit areas.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011