Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed that the Federal Government will continue collaborating with provincial governments until the complete rehabilitation of flood victims is achieved. Chairing a review meeting on Friday in Islamabad on the recent damages caused by rains and floods, as well as the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, the Prime Minister emphasized that the rehabilitation of the flood affected people is a top priority for the government.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Federal Government is fully prepared to support provincial governments in every possible way. The Prime Minister instructed authorities to ensure real-time monitoring of timely evacuations and relief operations. He directed the formation of a committee to deliver financial assistance to victims who are not registered with NADRA. Instructions were also issued to the Ministry of Climate Change to begin preparations for next year's monsoon season, with a comprehensive strategy to be presented within two weeks to protect Pakistan from the adverse effects of climate change, including heavy rains and floods, and to minimize the resulting damage.
The Prime Minister commended the rescue and relief efforts carried out by NDMA, PDMAs, the Pakistan Army, and both federal and provincial institutions. The meeting was briefed that rehabilitation efforts will begin once the final spell of the monsoon season concludes. Currently, all available resources and personnel are engaged in rescue, relief, and evacuation operations.
Regarding floodwaters, it was informed that the surge in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers has reached central and southern Punjab and is expected to pass through Panjnad soon. Preparations have been completed to manage a surge of one to 1.2 million cusecs at Panjnad, although the actual volume is expected to be around 600,000 cusecs, significantly lower than anticipated. In Multan, the local administration, Pakistan Army, and rescue agencies are fully mobilized and working diligently to allow the floodwaters to pass without breaching any embankments.
The meeting was informed that 80 percent of the damaged power infrastructure in the upper and central regions of the country has been restored. Damaged bridges and highways have also been repaired and reopened to restore connectivity. It was further updated that over two million people across the country were relocated in time, and more than 4,100 stranded individuals were rescued from flood-affected areas.
The meeting was told that the Federal Government has delivered over 6,300 tons of relief goods to the victims. Additionally, more than 2,400 medical camps have been established to provide healthcare services. Financial assistance for those who lost their lives, were injured, or suffered property damage is being provided on a priority basis through NADRA. Chief Secretaries from all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, presented assessments for their respective regions. The Prime Minister directed that provincial governments should be provided with full support from the Federal Government.