ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that a closer collaboration between Pakistan and India in disaster management should be a part of our agenda of peace and development in the region.
In response to a letter from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Sharif said that it is an unfortunate reality that South Asia remains one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world.
“As we chart a course to advance our common goals of peace and stability, we must also focus on addressing the deeper causes of recurrent floods and on strengthening the preparedness and resilience of our communities against natural calamities,” Nawaz Sharif said.
“I believe closer collaboration in disaster management should be a part of our agenda of peace and development in the region.”
The Pakistani premier said that his country is ready to cooperate in efforts for relief and rehabilitation of people affected by unprecedented rains and flooding on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC).
Sharif said that the offer for assistance by the Indian prime minister in our relief efforts is thoughtful. He said that such solidarity in the face of adversity is indeed valuable.
“I was anguished to see the scale of human suffering and physical destruction as I toured affected areas of Kashmir the other day. I am aware that the Kashmiris on the other side of the Line of Control have also faced heavy loss of life and material damage. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult time, and we remain prepared to extend a helping hand, in whatever way possible, to the efforts for their relief and rehabilitation,” he said.