PM Shehbaz vows swift relief and rehabilitation in flood-hit areas

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday reaffirmed the federal government’s firm resolve to continue relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas hit hard by recent floods.

Chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he emphasized that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring support for the affected families, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the devastation has been especially severe.

Expressing deep concern over the destruction caused by intense rainfall, sudden cloudbursts, and flash floods, the premier highlighted the immense toll these weather events have taken in KP.

Districts such as Swat, Swabi, Mansehra, and Shangla have witnessed significant damage.

He noted that although the scale of the affected regions may be smaller compared to the 2022 floods, the current disaster has resulted in a far greater human tragedy, with over 700 lives lost, more than 400 of them in KP alone.

PM Shehbaz commended the ongoing relief operations, acknowledging the active participation of federal ministers, secretaries, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the armed forces.

He also pointed out that during his recent visit to Buner and other impacted districts, he was accompanied by the Field Marshal, underscoring the high-level attention being given to the crisis.

In addition to KP, the prime minister extended his sympathies to those affected by similar natural disasters in Karachi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the importance of standing in unity with all communities facing hardship due to extreme weather events.

Addressing environmental issues, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the unlawful construction along natural waterways, which worsens the impact of floods.

He announced plans to convene a dedicated meeting soon to address this growing concern.

Furthermore, he expressed alarm over large-scale deforestation in the Galyat region and other parts of the country, noting the long-term environmental risks posed by unchecked tree-cutting.

Alluding to the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the prime minister said China Pakistan strategic friendship was being strengthened day by day.

PM Shehbaz informed that soon he will visit China to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit where he will also meet the Chinese leadership.

The cabinet also offered Fateha for those lost their lives in the recent rains and flash floods.