THE Scottish Government is providing £500,000 to help with relief efforts in Pakistan after devastating floods left one-third of the country underwater.
The floods have left millions homeless and taken the lives of 1100 people in the country.
The funding will be split between the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Pakistan Floods Appeal and members of the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund Panel.
International Development Minister Neil Gray said: “More than 1,000 people, including hundreds of children, have lost their lives and 33 million people in total have been affected by the devastating floods that have left a third of their country under water.
“This Scottish Government funding will go directly towards supporting the humanitarian efforts to help all those affected.
“Our thoughts are very much with all of the people directly affected by the floods as well as the Pakistani community in Scotland who will be worried about their families and friends in Pakistan.
“I have written to the Pakistan Consul General outlining the Scottish Government’s support for Scotland’s Pakistani community, ensuring that where we can, we support what the community here will be doing to support friends and family in Pakistan.
“I would encourage people who are able to offer support to donate through the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Pakistan Floods Appeal.”
It comes after SNP MP Anum Qaisar wrote to the First Minister asking whether the Scottish Government could provide any assistance to Pakistan.
