KSrelief announces Rs4bn public facilitation projects

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar has profusely praised the role of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support to Pakistan during times of crisis.

He was speaking Tuesday in a ceremony where King Salman Relief Centre (KSrelief) announced a series of key public facilitation projects of about Rs4 billion aimed at rebuilding communities in Pakistan affected by natural disasters.

Saudi ambassador in Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malikiy in his welcoming address spoke of close cooperation between the two brotherly countries. Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar paid rich tributes to KSrelief’s vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance, particularly in response to recent natural disasters in Pakistan, including floods and earthquakes. He underscored that these new initiatives will focus on building and rehabilitating essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and housing.

The reconstruction and rehabilitation projects are to be undertaken by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), marking a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Saudi humanitarian cooperation.

The ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation from KSrelief, led by Eng. Ahmed Ali Abdullah Al-Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs, who is currently on a visit to Pakistan. The ceremony was also attended by representative from NDMA, Chairman of PRCS, and representatives and country heads from various UN missions in Pakistan.

Dar noted that the collaboration between KSrelief and Pakistan has intensified over the years, with the humanitarian organization playing a pivotal role in various sectors, including healthcare, food aid and education. He expressed confidence that this new phase of cooperation would further cement the ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and ensure that those most in need receive timely and effective support.

Engineer Ahmed Ali Al-Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations at KSrelief, signed four Joint Cooperation Programs (JCP) with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), and State Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (SERRA).

Additionally, eight contracts for public facilitation projects were formalized.

These initiatives reflect KSrelief’s commitment to sustainable recovery and long-term development for communities affected during different disasters in Pakistan. These projects cover various sectors, including housing, education, health, WASH and disaster preparedness. The guests were informed that one of the major efforts is the construction of National Humanitarian Response Facility for NDMA, which will significantly enhance ability to store and distribute relief supplies during emergencies.

Also over 1,000 permanent houses for families displaced by the 2022 floods providing safe housing for around 7,000 individuals in KP and Punjab, will be built. Each house is designed to offer two rooms, a kitchen, and a washroom, ensuring a dignified living environment for the affected families.

The KSrelief will construct 300 Community Feeder Schools across Pakistan, particularly in underserved regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These schools, equipped with green energy solar power and clean drinking water facilities, will serve approximately 15,000 children, while indirectly benefiting over 100,000 people, including local communities and teachers. Upon completion, these schools will be handed over to the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD), ensuring long-term sustainability and management.

The KSrelief will also reconstruct four Government schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir for SERRA, which were damaged by the 2005 earthquake. These schools will provide a safe learning environment for 3,400 students and contribute to the region’s long-term development. Additionally, 22 critical facilities, including schools, health centers and water projects previously constructed in response of 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods by the King of Saudi Arabia, will be renovated to improve access to education, healthcare and clean water.

From these projects about 360,000 individuals directly and 690,000 individuals will be benefited indirectly.