PM Shehbaz Vows Full Support for Flood-Hit Families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the federal government’s strong commitment to helping flood-affected families and speeding up the rehabilitation process, especially in the hardest-hit districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the devastation caused by recent heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods, which have severely impacted Swat, Swabi, Mansehra, and Shangla.
He stressed that federal ministers, secretaries, the NDMA Chairman, and the armed forces were fully engaged in relief and rescue operations to support victims across affected areas. The Prime Minister also noted that he personally visited Buner and other flood-hit regions, accompanied by senior officials, to oversee the situation.
Human Loss and Property Damage
Recalling the 2022 floods, which caused massive destruction and claimed around 100 lives, PM Shehbaz highlighted the alarming toll of the latest disaster. While the geographical area affected was smaller this time, the human loss has been far greater, with over 700 lives lost nationwide—more than 400 in KP alone.
He also mentioned similar weather-related tragedies in Karachi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed solidarity with all the affected families.
Call to End Illegal Constructions
The Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to stop illegal constructions along waterways, warning that such practices worsen the impact of natural disasters. He announced plans to convene a high-level meeting on the issue soon.
He also voiced concern over large-scale deforestation in Galyat and other regions, calling it a serious threat to the environment and disaster management efforts.
Strengthening Ties with China
Speaking on foreign relations, PM Shehbaz underscored that Pakistan-China strategic friendship is growing stronger with each passing day. He shared that he will soon travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where he will also meet Chinese leadership.
The cabinet members concluded the meeting by offering Fateha for the victims of the recent floods.
