Saudi Rehabilitation Drive

Saudi Rehabilitation Drive

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Saudi Arabia stands firm with the people of Pakistan and the friendship between the two countries and it’s people shall be taken to new heights.

This was the message of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah M. Al-Zahrani on the occasion of completion of the first phase of the rehabilitation projects in Pakistan in the wake of the recent earthquakes and floods.

Saudi Arabia is seen as a major global donor, providing humanitarian assistance, economic and financial aid to developing countries throughout the world.

While speaking at an event at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, H.E Mr. Al-Zahrani paid rich tribute to the strong ties between the two countries,  and thanked the Government of Pakistan especially , the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA), the Provincial Governments and various organizations of the United Nations in Pakistan, applauding their cooperation with Saudi Arabia in its rehabilitation programs.

Dr. Khalid M. Al-Othmani, Regional Director of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Relief Camp for Pakistan (CTHMRCP)  announced the details of the humanitarian and infrastructure projects which have been accomplished after the 2005 earthquake and the subsequent floods. He further stated that the organization had collected over $180 million for various relief and rehabilitation projects being implemented across Pakistan.

For the earthquake victims,  more than 8,000 houses, 34 schools and 8 health centers have been rebuilt in the cities of Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Bagh.

The Regional Director also stated that the first phase of the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects has been completed which comprised of 2,000 houses, more than 200 clean drinking water projects, 34 schools and 8 health centers. The campaign has further allocated $50 million for more infrastructure projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al-Othmani also announced the second phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation projects worth $60 million, which includes construction of houses, health centers, schools, mosques and provision of safe drinking water.