Guterres has become ‘voice of flood victims’: PM
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres left for the US on Sunday after wrapping up his two-day visit to Pakistan while reiterating that the natural calamity which has hit the south Asian country needs global response.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah saw him off at Karachi Airport. The UN chief paid the visit on 9th and 10th of this month to show solidarity with the people of Pakistan who are braving a colossal climate-induced natural disaster caused by unprecedented rains and floods across the country. During his visit he called for substantial and sustained support and solidarity from the international community to overcome the enormous challenges posed by the unprecedented climate induced floods in Pakistan.
Besides high-level meetings, briefings, interactions with displaced people, UN country representatives, civil society and media, he also visited flood affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan, where he was given an overview of the rescue and relief efforts of the Government of Pakistan and national and international partners. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accompanied him during his visit to flood-hit areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while appreciating UN Secretary-General Guterres’ support for the Pakistan flood victims said that he was deeply touched by his empathy and leadership.
In his tweet Sunday, PM Shehbaz wrote: “A big thank you to UN SG @antonioguterres for his unprecedented support of the flood victims. His two-day visit has been critical in raising awareness about the human tragedy. Deeply touched by his empathy and leadership. Pakistan needs global support to overcome this challenge.”
“During his visit to the flood-affected areas & camps under scorching heat, UN Secretary General was overwhelmed by the scale of devastation that has engulfed Pakistan. His voice has become the voice of flood victims. The world should pay heed to what he said about climate change.”