Iran assures Pakistan of support

Iran’s parliamentary delegation to Pakistan’s flood-hit areas has assured Islamabad of the full support of its western neighbor.

Ali Aqaee, heading the delegation, talked with the Pakistani chairman of the Senate, Farooq Naek, on the phone on Friday as reported by Pakistan’s Daily Times.

The Iranian representative expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss and suffering caused by the massive floods. He offered his heartfelt condolences to those who had lost their families and relatives and deep sympathy to all those who have been affected.

Aqaee also briefed the chairman on their visit to different camps of flood affected people in Karachi.

The Pakistani official updated the delegation about the devastation and thanked the Iranian government and people for their assistance to the country.

More than 1,600 Pakistanis have lost their lives in the floods that have hit nearly one fifth of the country. The UN says more than 17 million Pakistanis have been affected, as five million people have been made homeless as a result of the unprecedented floods.

Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis have been ordered to evacuate as flood waters threaten several cities in the south of the country, a Press TV correspondent said Friday.

Nearly 800,000 people are also stranded in areas which can only be reached by air.

Iran was among the first countries to send aid to Pakistan as the UN was calling for aid for the victims.

Iran’s Ambassador to Islamabad, Mashallah Shakeri, said on Wednesday that Iran has so far sent more than 400 tons of humanitarian supplies, including tents, blankets, food stuff and medication to the country.

The situation caused by the floods is worsening as hunger, lack of hygiene and drinking water and the threat of epidemics have put the lives of many Pakistanis at risk.

The UN has warned of the second wave of death from waterborne diseases.