GOVRNMENT PROMISES TO FLOOD AFFECTEES

Islamabad has faced criticism over its response to the crisis, but Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the country's foreign minister, defended the government's actions on Saturday.
He told Al Jazeera that the international community is waking up to the crisis and therefore, there is no need to declare a state of emergency.

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"We don't have to declare an emergency to mobilise people. We have now mobilised people and government agencies and international help is coming," Qureshi said.
The United Nations estimates that the floods have destroyed $1bn worth of crops in Pakistan but Qureshi said that Pakistan has enough wheat supplies to avert a food crisis, and the issue was access and not food supply.

"The reason people are finding it difficult to access food is because many of the bridges were swept away. We can only access them by air, and we have a shortage of helicopters," Qureshi said.
His comments came after Asif Ali Zardari, the country's president, made his second trip to flood-affected areas in the country. Zardari, who came under criticism for failing to cut short a visit to Europe last week at the height of the disaster, pledged to do more to help those affected.
"I promise to you that ... your houses will be built. All those who have had everything washed away will be helped. We are with you, Pakistan is with you, the people of Pakistan are with you, and we will stand together."
                                PAKISTAN NEED MORE AID
Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, has said that the Pakistan floods are the worst disaster he has ever seen and has issued a fresh call for international aid to help those affected by the crisis.   
Speaking alongside Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan's president, after a tour of the disaster zone, Ban said on Sunday it had been "heart-wrenching day." 

"I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today," he said. "In the past I have witnessed many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this.''
The UN has appealed for an initial $460 million to provide emergency relief, but only 20 per cent has so far been given.
"Waves of flood must be met with waves of support from the world,'' said Ban. "I'm here to urge the world to step up assistance.''

"Waves of flood must be met with waves of support from the world" Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General

The floods began more than two weeks ago and have hit about one-quarter of the country. Huge swathes of land remain under water, and hundreds more homes
Deadly floods in Pakistan have killed more than 1,600 people, according to the United Nations, and affected nearly fourteen million. The UN launched a fresh appeal on August 11 for $459 million (BBC), and international relief agencies warn many more people are at risk without additional aid. The international response to Pakistan's latest crisis has been inadequate so far, says Richard C. Holbrooke, U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States has pledged $55 million in aid, besides sending food and other necessities. Holbrooke says Washington is also sending more helicopters to aid in relief efforts. Holbrooke dismisses reports of Islamic charities (AFP), some with links to banned militant groups, sponsoring their own aid efforts and gaining support. "[R]ight now, we have an emergency situation affecting at least fourteen million people and first we're going to deal with that," he says, adding, "The more we deal with that, the more it is an answer" to these groups.