Pak. is grappling with food shortages: Sharif

September 13, 2022 12:00 am | Updated 05:43 am IST - Islamabad

He thanks Erdogan for dispatching aid

Pakistan is grappling with food shortages after deadly floods left the impoverished country’s agriculture belt underwater, the Prime Minister told the Turkish President by phone, as authorities scaled up efforts on Monday to deliver food, tents and other items.

Shahbaz Sharif spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan overnight to thank Turkey for dispatching food, tents and medicine by 12 military aircraft, four trains and Turkish Red Crescent trucks. The International Rescue Committee estimated that the floods have damaged more than 3.6 million acres of crops in Pakistan.

A government statement said Mr. Sharif briefed Mr. Erdogan about the government’s relief activities and sought assistance from Turkey in overcoming the “food shortage.” Mr. Sharif also sought help from Turkey on reconstruction work in the flood-hit areas.

More than 6,60,000 people are living at relief camps and in makeshift homes after floods damaged their homes across the country and forced them to move to safer places. Pakistan, the country’s military, UN agencies and local charities are providing food to these flood victims.

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