New Delhi, Aug 20 (IBNS) Stung by criticism for bringing politics in flood relief by refusing India's offer for help, Pakistan has finally agreed to accept India's $ 5 million aid to battle the country's worst natural calamity in recent memory.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is in New York and seeking worldwide aid for his country, told NDTV: "Yes, we accept India's aid."
"Pakistan has agreed to accept the Indian offer and my government appreciates India's gesture," Qureshi told the channel.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called up Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday and offered his condolences and reminded him of the Indian government's offer saying India was ready to do more.
Pakistan' s decision came after days of diplomatic parleys and a strong nudge from the US on Thursday to accept India's aid on humanitarian ground.
The Barack Obama administration had said it expects Pakistan to accept the aid offer from India for its flood relief work.