China Delivers Relief Supplies to Pakistan to Address Flood Crisis

In a show of support, China has dispatched aid to Pakistan in response to the devastating floods. The first wave of assistance, provided by the Chinese government, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, as reported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Two Chinese relief aircraft touched down in Rawalpindi, carrying essential supplies including 300 tents and 9,000 blankets. The NDMA highlighted that this aid reflects China’s steadfast solidarity with Pakistan during this challenging period. Amir Muqam, the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese government and its people, acknowledging that the aid would provide vital relief to the thousands of families affected by the floods. Following the catastrophic monsoon rains and subsequent floods, Beijing had previously announced a commitment of $14 million (approximately ₹117.6 crore) in relief aid to Pakistan. The United Nations has also contributed, with its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocating $5 million to support Pakistan’s flood relief efforts, according to UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. Minister Amir Muqam underscored that the recent floods, triggered by heavy rainfall since June, have resulted in a significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands in Pakistan. The aid provided by China is anticipated to play a crucial role in rescue operations. The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, emphasized that China’s support underscores a shared future, and the importance of mutual assistance during times of adversity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to expedite the preparation of a comprehensive report detailing the damage caused by the recent monsoon floods, with a deadline of one week. The ongoing monsoon season, which commenced in June, has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been the hardest hit, recording over 500 fatalities. Additionally, the floods in Punjab, exacerbated by heavy rainfall in late August, resulted in more than 300 deaths. The floods inundated over 4,700 villages in Punjab, impacting 4.7 million people. The province has undertaken an unprecedented rescue operation, successfully evacuating 2.6 million people and 2.1 million animals. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for a prompt assessment of the damage to crops and infrastructure to facilitate effective relief and rehabilitation planning. He has instructed officials to submit the complete report within a week. Pakistan and China have maintained a strong diplomatic and friendly relationship since establishing formal ties in May 1951. China is a key ally of Pakistan and has consistently supported it on the international stage. Notably, China serves as Pakistan’s largest arms supplier and its foremost trading partner. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), represents a major economic undertaking between the two countries, encompassing infrastructure projects like roads, railways, energy initiatives, and the Gwadar Port. Throughout natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, China has consistently provided assistance to Pakistan.