Minister of Pakistan: Thanks to the Chinese Government and People for Their Helping Out During the Flood

Since mid-June this year, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Pakistan, causing extensive loss of life and property.  In the wake of the disaster, the Chinese government has sent tents, food and other relief supplies to the Pakistani people in urgent need through various means.  In response, Pakistan's Minister of Planning and Development Abdul Rahman Iqbal thanked the Chinese government and people for their help when Pakistan was hit by floods in an interview and hoped that China and Pakistan could further cooperate in disaster warning in the future.

Iqbal, Pakistan's Minister of Planning and Development:  We are very grateful to the Chinese people and leadership for their immediate announcement of assistance to Pakistan, including tents, medical supplies, food supplies, because this assistance will enable us to respond to the floods as quickly as possible, which is very valuable for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will pay an official visit to China from November 1.  Iqbal said Pakistan hopes that during the prime minister's visit to China, Pakistan can understand the post-disaster rescue work and improve the early warning capacity of Pakistan's disaster Management Authority and meteorological department.  Pakistan needs to improve its radar so that it can have sufficient weather warning capability to mitigate the impact of disasters.  Cooperation between China and Pakistan on early warning systems will enhance the capacity of Pakistani institutions to respond to disasters.