Norway provides NOK 83 million to people in need in Pakistan

More than one million people in northwest Pakistan have fled their homes due to hostilities between the Pakistani Taliban and the Pakistani army. The need for humanitarian assistance is huge, and Norway is therefore increasing its support to Pakistan to NOK 83 million.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented: “The situation in Pakistan is one of the most serious challenges facing the international community today. The Pakistani authorities are engaged in extensive operations to regain control of their territory. Both the UN and the Pakistani authorities have requested international help with providing food, shelter and protection for those in need. It is important to prevent Pakistan sliding into a long-term humanitarian crisis that threatens stability in the region.”

Norway’s support will be channelled through the UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other NGOs.

Humanitarian organisations report that it is difficult to reach those who are affected due to the ongoing hostilities and because there is little information about the situation in the conflict areas.

“The Pakistani authorities and the Taliban must give humanitarian organisations immediate access to the conflict areas so that they can help the injured and internally displaced. The parties must respect international humanitarian law and do their utmost to avoid civilian losses,” Mr Støre added.