NGOs will siphon off half of international flood aid to Pak: Gilani

Multan, Aug 30(ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that 80 percent of the international aid will come to the flood-hit country through NGOs, which will siphon off half of the same with impunity.

Addressing a press conference after visiting a relief camp in Muzaffargarh, Gilani said that those talking about transparency should know that only 20 percent of the aid would come to the government.

"It is just that NGOs have their own expenses. They have to pay salaries in dollars to their staff, build offices and buy bulletproof vehicles," The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

The Prime Minister also urged political parties of the country to stand united to reach out to the flood affected communities, and to rebuild the country.

"The whole world stood by Pakistan in this hour of need and the nation was united and spirited to help their distressed brethren," Gilani said.

He had earlier said that the deluge had killed 1,384 people, injured 1,630 and according to initial estimates damaged over 700,000 homes.

He also stated that the government was able to rescue over 400,000 stranded people.

Apart from the loss of lives, the unprecedented catastrophe has also destroyed crops, washed away bridges, roads, communication and energy networks, causing losses running into billions of dollars. (ANI)