The world proved over the weekend that it is not afflicted with donor fatigue. Donor nations have pledged $5.8 billion to Pakistan for reconstruction and disaster relief in response to the devastating Oct 8 earthquake, more than the $5.2 billion Pakistan had requested.Saturday’s donor conference led to a dramatic turnaround in aid pledges. Before the conference, the UN had received about 22 percent of the $550 million it requested for the emergency relief. The response contrasts with the reaction to the December 2004 tsunami disaster, when 80 percent of the desired funds were received in 10 days. Saturday’s turnaround may be attributable to the location of the conference. While a late October conference was staged in Geneva, Saturday’s conference was held in Islamabad, giving delegates the opportunity to visit the suffering regions.Also positive is the mix of nations offering substantial aid. Saudi Arabia pledged $573 million, the largest amount of any other country, followed by the US, which boosted its commitment to $510 million from a previous $156 million. The US will give $300 million in cash, $100 million in private donations and $110 million in military relief services. Pakistan’s erstwhile rival, India, which was also affected by the earthquake, has promised $25 million. China promised $326 million, Iran $200 million, Turkey $150 million, France $124 million, the UK $120 million, Japan $120 million, the EU $110 million, Germany $100 million, the UAE $100 million and Kuwait $100 million. The ADB and the World Bank pledged $1 billion each, and the Islamic Development Bank pledged $500 million.It is heartening to see the world’s continued generosity in wake of consecutive disasters of massive proportions. Delays in aid disbursement could still be disastrous for the Pakistani people, though. Donor countries must keep in mind that winter is quickly descending on the Himalayas. Their quick response will aid the race with winter.Excerpted from an editorial comment in The Washington Post, November 25
