ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged the federal government’s complete support for flood-hit communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, announcing the donation of one month’s salary from the federal cabinet to aid relief efforts.
Chairing a meeting to review ongoing relief efforts by federal government in flood affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister directed the federal institutions to intensify efforts to assist rain and flood-affected people in various districts of KP.
“In this hour of calamity, there is no federal or provincial government; we must ensure the assistance and rehabilitation of affected people, “the prime minister said adding that “Helping our distressed Pakistani brothers and sisters is our national responsibility”.
He said this was not a time for politics but for service and healing the wounds of the people.
The prime minister stressed that the federal government will also provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and affected individuals under the Prime Minister’s relief package.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan will oversee relief and rehabilitation operations in affected areas while the relevant federal ministers will personally monitor the restoration of electricity, water, roads, and other facilities in affected areas, the prime minister added.
Furthermore, he also instructed all relevant federal ministers to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in person.
The prime minister directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) not to differentiate between provincial or national highways; and opening routes for relief must be the top priority.
He also ordered Ministry of Communications, NHA, and FWO to ensure repair of highways and bridges in affected areas. “Minister for Communications should personally oversee rehabilitation operations.”
The prime minister also directed Minister for Power to visit affected areas, inspect, and prioritize restoration of the electricity system, adding that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) should immediately submit a final assessment of damages.
“NDMA should present a comprehensive plan for the distribution of relief items to flood victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the prime minister said stressing the Ministry of Finance to provide necessary resources to NDMA.
The prime minister further directed all the relevant federal ministers to remain in affected areas until the last person received assistance and basic infrastructure was restored.
Ministry of Health should send medicines and medical teams to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and establish medical camps while Benazir Income Support Programme should be mobilized to assist the affected, the prime minister instructed.
