The Commissioner saw for herself the plight of the people devastated by the worst disaster Pakistan has faced in decades.

‘I am deeply touched by the loss, suffering and devastation that millions of people of Pakistan have faced in the last weeks,’ said Commissioner Georgieva. ‘This is a disaster of unimaginable proportions and I have come to Pakistan to show Europe’s solidarity during this very trying time for the millions who have lost loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods.’

Commissioner Georgieva had meetings with the Prime Minister, Honourable Yousaf Raza Gillani and the Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). She also discussed the humanitarian crises facing Pakistan today with the United Nations agencies, the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Red Cross / Crescent Movement.

‘The humanitarian response to the floods will need innovation and creativity; from the mountains in the north to the flood plains in the south – it is not one size fits all.’
The European Commissioner added, ‘These overwhelming floods have come on the heels of an ongoing conflict related crisis.’

Commissioner Georgieva emphasised the need for efficient humanitarian aid to be independent and impartial. ‘The most vulnerable people impacted by the crisis need to be assisted irrespective of gender, political affiliation, age or religion.’