Kerala Floods: Pakistan PM Imran Khan offers assistance for flood-hit Kerala

Amidst controversy regarding the central government refusing any foreign assistance for the Kerala flood relief, newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday expressed his grief for the many lives lost in the flood-hit south Indian state and also assured to “provide any humanitarian assistance” if required.

The former Pakistan cricket legend, who captained his nation to their only World Cup victory in 1992, took to social media site Twitter to convey his message.

“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, we send our prayers and best wishes to those who have been devastated by the floods in Kerala, India,” tweeted Khan from his official Twitter handle.

“We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed.”

On behalf of the people of Pakistan, we send our prayers and best wishes to those who have been devastated by the floods in Kerala, India. We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 23, 2018

Also Read: Imran Khan: People targeting Sidhu doing disservice to peace

His message of support and willingness to help comes a day after the BJP ruled central Indian government faced several backlashes for refusing the Rs 700-crore assistance offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Apart from the Arab nation, Qatar had also assured Rs. 35 Crore, while Maldives (35 lakh) and Thailand had also come forward for helping the devastated state through their donations.

But their assistance was strictly declined by the centre, with External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar telling reporters that India will not accept any foreign help for rain-hit Kerala to stay in accordance with an existing policy.

Also Read: Kerala floods: Sudha Murthy joins Infosys staff to pack relief material for victims

The policy was enacted during the Manmohan Singh ruled government in 2004-05 after India refused to receive any foreign assistance after Tsunami had ravaged many parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the central government has reportedly sanctioned Rs. 600 crore as part of the relief fund to Kerala. Over 300 lives were lost, while another 10 million people were left homeless following the worst flood in over 80 years left God’s own country submerged in water.