AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD

17 August 2010

Press Release

Australia Contributes a Further $24 million for Emergency Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Pakistan

Australia will provide an additional A$ 24 million to support emergency humanitarian relief efforts in Pakistan, bringing the total assistance to A$ 35 million (approximately US $31.2 million) since 2 August. The assistance will be distributed through UN agencies and international and Australian non-government organisations based in Pakistan.

In addition to the new assistance announced today, a second Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed at Chaklala Air Force Base on 17 August loaded with tents, tarpaulins, and water storage and purification supplies. The aircraft was met on arrival by Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Tim George and Senior Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Niamatullah Khan.

A third relief flight is expected to arrive before the end of the week, as an indication of the Australian Government’s commitment to the Government and people of Pakistan.

Contact: Jon Bonnar, 051 835 5346