ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed their grief over the loss of lives during the havoc caused by floods in the United Arab Emirates.

President Alvi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the UAE, five Pakistanis among them, and prayed that the affected families bear their losses with fortitude.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The President said Pakistan itself was going through a similar situation in the wake of monsoon rains.

Dr Arif Alvi called upon the international community to work closely with developing countries in order to offset the impact of climate change.

On his Twitter handle, the prime minister offered condolences to the bereaved families.

Shehbaz Sharif, in a related tweet, said Pakistan stood by the people of the UAE and the government in this difficult hour.

He asked the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi to extend full support to the affected families.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the UAE on the devastation caused by floods.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and pray for speedy recovery of those injured. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and government of the United Arab Emirates,” the spokesman said. The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai were in touch with the UAE government and families of the affected Pakistanis, the spokesman added.

The UAE recorded its highest amount of rainfall in 27 years last week. The rains led to floods in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2022