INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
New Delhi: Pakistan's new prime minister Imran Khan has offered to provide "any humanitarian assistance that may be needed" for Kerala,
that has been devastated by floods.Imran Khan, who took oath as Pakistan's 22nd prime minister last Saturday, tweeted this evening to say,
"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," he added.237 people have been killed since August 8 and
over 14 lakh displaced after days of torrential rain in Kerala earlier this month
The state has incurred losses estimated around Rs 20,000 crore
Though the Kerala government had asked for Rs 2,600 for immediate relief, the centre has allocated Rs 600 crore so far.The centre maintains
that it will not accept financial help for Kerala from other countries
"In line with existing policy, the government of India is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through
domestic efforts," the foreign ministry said in a statement last night. The government's clarification came after the United Arab Emirates
offered Rs 700 crore for flood-ravaged Kerala, and reports said Qatar and Maldives had also offered to help.After his controversial election
victory last month, Imran Khan had said Pakistan was ready to respond positively to any effort towards dialogue with India
"If India comes and takes one step towards us, we will take two," said the cricket legend-turned-politician, who had targeted India
throughout his campaign for last month's election.PM Modi had phoned him after his election victory and spoken about "peace and development"
in the region.After former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, the new Pakistani prime minister had also said the two countries
could honour the veteran BJP leader's legacy by establishing peace.(Kerala has to rebuild itself after the worst floods in over a century
Hundreds have died and lakhs are homeless
Here is how you can help.)
