Prime Minister seeks UN assistance to develop flood forecasting, early weather warning system

Islamabad, April 19, 2011 (PPI): Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani sought United Nations assistance to develop flood forecasting and early weather warning system before monsoon season.

Talking to Special Envoy of UN Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan Rauf Engin Soysal Tuesday at PM House, he lauded UN support and Special Envoy’s dedicated work for flood affectees of the country.

He commended Soysal for his proactive efforts with Friends of Democratic Pakistan FoDP partners for implementing energy sector plan of action, approved by third FoDP Ministerial meeting in Brussels last year. He called for building on progress achieved in FoDP process and fast tracking of implementing Malakand Development Strategy.

Gilani hoped as Pakistan moves from early recovery to medium, long term construction and development phase, UN will undertake impact assessment of international assistance routed through UN agencies.

Soysal briefed on his recent meetings with UN Secretary General, UNDP Executive Director, United States officials to generate funds for early recovery phase of Pakistan’s flood affected areas. On UN appeal, donor countries committed around 67% of required amount of which 40% was disbursed in relief, early recovery phases.

He agreed to reinvigorate FoDP, implement Malakand Development Strategy, establish early flood forecasting and weather warning system. Next Capacity Building Workshop for disaster emergency will be held in Turkey and preparatory workshop in Islamabad.