PM Sharif Warns of More Rains, Visits Flood-Hit KP

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a warning on Wednesday regarding forthcoming heavy rainfall as he visited areas affected by floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

During his address to those impacted by floods in Buner, the Prime Minister conveyed his sympathy regarding the destruction caused by substantial rainfall and subsequent flooding. He noted that over 350 individuals had tragically died in KP alone, with numerous others sustaining injuries.

He stated that the nationwide death toll has surpassed 700, with a significant number of people still unaccounted for. The PM offered his condolences to the bereaved families, emphasizing that incidents in South Waziristan and Mansehra had deeply affected the nation.

PM Shehbaz stated that engineers are actively engaged in repairing damaged bridges and roadways. He added that directives have been given to ensure the restoration of all impacted sites within the next week.

He promised that electricity services would be reinstated across the region during the same timeframe, regardless of pending bill payments, and announced seven days of complimentary electricity for those affected by the floods. Distribution of relief cheques occurred during the visit.

The Prime Minister emphasized accountability for legal violations, describing the construction of hotels and residences along waterways as a grave error that amplified the floods’ consequences.

He stated that such encroachments would not be excused, highlighting the role of deforestation and unregulated mining in exacerbating the disaster. He emphasized the necessity of enacting strict measures to prevent future construction on natural waterways.

The Prime Minister referenced the devastating floods of 2022, which resulted in widespread damage to crops and homes, noting that the federal government had allocated Rs100 billion for recovery initiatives at that time. He affirmed that all available resources are currently being utilized to expedite relief and recovery operations.

PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of national unity, pledging that the federal government would collaborate with KP, GB, and other provinces, and that political considerations should be set aside during this national crisis. He praised KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his dedication to relief efforts.

Accompanied by federal ministers and Field Marshal Asim Munir, PM Shehbaz attended a detailed briefing on ongoing rescue and relief activities in KP. He highlighted that the army, government, and civil society were cooperatively working to support those affected by the floods.

The Prime Minister commended the Pakistan Army, stating that they are simultaneously combating terrorism and conducting relief operations.

He expressed gratitude to Field Marshal Munir for instructing the armed forces to provide assistance to flood-stricken communities, and he lauded the officers for their commitment.

He conveyed his appreciation to Field Marshal Asim Munir and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for their support of the people during this challenging period.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s heightened susceptibility to climate change, noting its position among the ten most vulnerable nations worldwide. He cautioned that additional periods of intense rainfall are anticipated and emphasized that only collective efforts, including forest conservation, can help mitigate future disasters.