Lahore, Pakistan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday that the federal government of Pakistan has allocated $10 million to aid relief efforts in Turkey following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the country earlier this week. The disaster has claimed over 21,000 lives so far with many still missing.
Speaking at an airport in Lahore where relief goods were being sent to the earthquake victims, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan will continue to support Turkey in these difficult times and called on the nation to pray for the victims. “I believe that the people of Turkey and Syria will come out of this difficulty,” he said, adding that Pakistan immediately offered assistance when the tragedy took place.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the close relationship between the two countries, referencing the visit by the Turkish President to Pakistan during heavy flooding and his donation of millions of dollars to aid relief efforts. A Pakistani Army team was sent to Turkey the day of the earthquake, and 100 tons of relief goods are being sent to the country today.
The Prime Minister called on the people, welfare organizations, and businesses to take part in the fund collection drive and asked the chief ministers to provide support. A committee has been established to send funds to Turkey, and 13 centers have been set up in Pakistan for collection of donations. The Prime Minister’s relief fund has been established, and the federal cabinet has announced its contribution of one month’s salary, while the Prime Minister has appealed to philanthropists to extend their help.
A plane load of relief goods and a rescue team from Pakistan reached Turkey earlier this week, and the Information Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, confirmed that the Prime Minister has decided to establish a relief fund to help the victims of the earthquake.
In times of crisis, it is heartening to see countries come together to offer support and aid. The allocation of $10 million by the government of Pakistan for the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey is a testament to the close relationship between the two nations and the world’s commitment to helping those in need.
