LAHORE – The World Bank on Friday offered to give $35 million in aid to the Punjab government for flood-stricken people.

A delegation led by the country director of the World Bank met Chief Minister Punjab Pervaiz Elahi, while former federal minister Moonis Elahi was also present in the meeting. In the meeting, the World Bank also offered assistance to the flood-hit people, while It was also agreed to increase cooperation between the Punjab government and the World Bank in various fields.

Punjab CM said that $35 million will be linked to the Punjab Ehsaas program and will be distributed among the flood-affected people. Speaking about the World Bank, Pervaiz Elahi said, “I have had a long-standing relationship with the World Bank and during my previous government, revolutionary reforms in education and health were carried out with the support of the World Bank.” CM Elahi said that his Education Sector Reforms Programme was recognized globally, adding that his government had announced free education up to degree level.

Talking about the situation of the flood-affected people, the Chief Minister said that medicines have been provided free of cost in the emergency wards, while special medical camps have been set up in the flood-stricken areas to prevent epidemics. Chief Minister Elahi further said that a comprehensive plan has been prepared for the rehabilitation of the flood-hit people and full attention has been paid to the construction of dams to preserve water.