Dr. A.Z. Hilali (IR Expert): The incumbent government is making all out efforts to eliminate the sufferings of the devastation caused by floods in the country. The UN secretary General himself witnessed the disasters on his visit to Pakistan. He urged the international community to support Pakistan as the country is paying the price of industrialization of the developing countries. Pakistan is the least contributor to the greenhouse carbon emissions yet among the most vulnerable to climate change. Pakistan effectively advocated the case of flood victims in front of the world. During the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, the pledges of over nine billion dollars made at the Geneva Conference is a great victory for Pakistan. The floods caused damage worth $30 billion and that the rehabilitation and disaster-reconstruction needs had been estimated at $16.3 billion. Pakistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters is a reality and must be managed accordingly. Therefore, it is high time that the country must mobilize its human and material resources. Across the country, universities should establish centers in collaboration with NDMA and armed forces to research natural disasters and improve Pakistan’s ability to mitigate and cope with disasters.

  Dr. Tauseef Akhtar (Economist): It is a good development that the support group of Pakistan announced massive pledges in order to support Pakistan. The main role is played by the UN Secretary General who sincerely urged the international community to support Pakistan in rehabilitation and relief activities of the flood victims in Pakistan. The need of the hour is that there must be comprehensive policy to utilize these financial assistances at the right place so that the world must know that their aid is being utilized for the welfare of people.

Mushtaq Ahmed Mehar (Former Ambassador): The timing of the visit of the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to the United Arab Emirates is very important. At this crucial time, Pakistan needs its friends the most. The Prime Minister will definitely brief the UAE leadership about the impacts of climate change in Pakistan and I am hopeful that UAE will not step back and will support Pakistan in this critical time by all means. Since 1970, Pakistan has maintained strong relations with the United Arab Emirates. It was the first country where Pakistan sent a huge manpower. Moreover, Pakistan is also providing defense assistance to the gulf country. The UAE takes keen interest in developing its relations with Pakistan in various fields and spares no effort in supporting Pakistanis at all levels. The United Arab Emirate has become the hub of economic activities. The UAE is a leading donor to Pakistan and is leading international efforts to achieve massive development in the country. It has provided humanitarian assistance to the Pakistani people in times of crises.

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): The visit of the Prime Minister to UAE is vital keeping in view the recent developments. Pakistan has just hosted a donors conference where many developed countries have committed financial assistance to Pakistan. The Prime Minister will also discuss bilateral issues with the UAE president. The Pak-UAE relations are deep and strong. Many Pakistani professionals have played a vital role in the development of the UAE. We must be hopeful that the UAE will once again come forward to support the economy of Pakistan.