ISLAMABAD: On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has immediately activated the 911 emergency helpline across the country.

According to a spokesperson, the 911 service will remain functional even in areas where local mobile network towers are damaged or inactive. Under the system, affected citizens can dial 911 to seek emergency assistance in any crisis situation.

The spokesperson further appealed to unaffected citizens to avoid unnecessary calls, ensuring that the facility remains available for those in urgent need of help.

On the other hand, devastating monsoon rains, cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods have wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

According to officials, more than 250 people have so far lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Buner district has been the worst hit, where the natural calamity claimed 213 lives, while many others remain missing.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called an urgent meeting to review the country’s recent heavy rains and flood situation.

The briefing covers the extent of the damage, ongoing rescue and relief efforts, and the challenges faced by teams in affected areas. The government is also considering declaring the worst-hit regions as disaster zones, sources added.