Foreign aid mostly given to UN agencies

Source: Dawn

Date: Aug 8, 2010

ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The international response to the worst flooding in Pakistan’s history has highlighted world community’s lack of confidence in the government’s ability to carry out speedy and effective relief and rehabilitation work.

As of Saturday, the contributions and commitments made by different countries totalled $29.7 million, of which only $2.5 million was in bilateral assistance. Most of the donors prefer to provide aid through UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, indicating a lack of trust in the government.

Another $59.6 million is also plan ned to be channelled through such organisations.

Talking to Dawn, an official coordinating the international assistance conceded that donors had reservations over the capacity and efficiency of the government’s disaster management system.

Besides, he said, the donors had their own preferences regarding fund disbursement.

“The donor community and humanitarian agencies need to channel their efforts in a more coordinated manner through the government’s newly established network of disaster management organisations,” said an expert and former UN official, Zafar Iqbal.

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