‍

Almost two million people are being evacuated due to renewed devastating flooding in the eastern Pakistani province of Punjab. Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change and most vulnerable worldwide. Once again, the trigger is exceptionally heavy monsoon rains. These are the worst floods in the history of the Punjab region.

‍

For this reason, Pakistan feels compelled to cancel all celebrations marking the 61st Pakistan Defense Day. All receptions worldwide have been canceled, including the reception in Berlin.

‍

The reception for the 61st anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's Defense Day had been planned for the evening of Tuesday, September 9, at the Gloria Event Center in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The hosts, Pakistan's ambassador, Saqlain Syedah, and military attaché Brigadier General Zeeshan Janjua, announced on Sunday: "I very much regret to inform you that due to the devastating floods in Pakistan and the declaration of a national state of emergency, the Pakistani government has canceled the celebrations for Defense Day in Pakistan and worldwide. We deeply regret the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."

Large-scale floods had already occurred in Pakistan as a result of monsoon rain in summer 2022. Almost half of the country was under water. Thousands of people died as a result of the disaster and its consequences. More than 33 million people were affected.

‍

Caritas International provided rapid assistance at the time thanks to its established network and, according to its own statements, is once again relying on these structures. Caritas International is therefore calling for donations so that it can maintain emergency aid in the long term:

‍

Donation account:

Caritas International

Bank für Sozialwirtschaft Karlsruhe

IBAN: DE88 6602 0500 0200 2002 02

Keyword: Pakistan flood aid

‍

ekö

‍