ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a $3 million grant for Pakistan to support emergency flood relief under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), over 800 people have died so far this monsoon season in rain and flood-related incidents.
ADB President Masato Kanda, currently on a three-day visit to Pakistan, expressed condolences over the loss of lives. He said ADB stands with Pakistan during this crisis and stressed that the support reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to the country.
Officials in Pakistan said the flooding was worsened by India’s suspension of a river-sharing treaty and the collapse of gates at an Indian barrage, which sent additional water downstream. Floodwaters in Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers have destroyed villages and crops, while Lahore’s outskirts and the town of Jhang remain under threat in the worst flooding in nearly four decades.
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During his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Kanda discussed ADB’s investments in transport, energy, urban infrastructure, and social development. He welcomed Pakistan’s progress on reforms and noted recent credit rating upgrades.
The two sides also discussed ADB’s $410 million financing for the Reko Diq copper-gold project, approved earlier this month, which marks ADB’s return to mining sector financing after 40 years. The project is seen as crucial for positioning Pakistan as a global supplier of critical minerals for clean energy transition.
Since becoming a founding member in 1966, ADB has committed more than $43 billion to Pakistan, with a current portfolio of 44 projects worth around $9 billion.
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