ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that all members of the federal cabinet will donate one month’s salary to support flood-affected communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following widespread monsoon flooding.
Reaffirming the federal government’s full support, the Prime Minister said financial aid would be provided to families of those who lost their lives or were injured, under the Prime Minister’s Relief Package.
To oversee relief efforts, the Prime Minister appointed Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, as the focal person. He directed all relevant federal ministers to visit the flood-affected areas, personally monitor the restoration of essential services, and remain on the ground until relief and rehabilitation work is complete.
“In this hour of calamity, there is no concept of federal or provincial governments. Assisting our fellow Pakistanis is a national responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA), Ministry of Communications, and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to prioritize the repair of roads and bridges, regardless of whether they fall under provincial or federal jurisdiction. Relief trucks must be given unhindered access to the hardest-hit areas, he added.
The Minister for Power was directed to personally visit the affected regions and ensure the immediate restoration of electricity. The Ministry of Health was instructed to dispatch medical teams, medicines, and establish emergency medical camps in KP, while the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was directed to begin emergency assistance to affected families.
Shehbaz Sharif also asked the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to submit a detailed assessment of damages and a comprehensive plan for the distribution of relief items. The Ministry of Finance was told to release necessary funds to support NDMA operations.
Officials briefed the meeting that 456 relief camps have been established and 400 rescue operations conducted so far by federal, provincial, and military institutions. Relief supplies are being dispatched, with priority given to severely affected districts.
Initial estimates suggest that damages to public and private property have exceeded Rs. 126 million. The NDMA also presented a report on the ongoing supply of food, tents, medicines, and other essential items.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department informed the meeting that the monsoon season is expected to continue until mid-September, with two more significant rain spells forecast.
Ministers and senior officials provided updates on the situation in various regions, including Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, and Gilgit. The meeting concluded with a prayer for the victims and a commitment to accelerate relief operations.
Gandaput Also Donates Salary
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has announced to donate his one-month salary to support victims of the recent floods across the province.
He has further decided that members of the provincial cabinet will contribute 15 days’ salary, while members of the provincial assembly will donate seven days’ salary for the flood effectees. Similarly, government employees from Grade-17 and above will give two days’ salary, and those from Grade-1 to 16 will contribute one day’s salary toward relief efforts.
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