ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that a high-level meeting will soon be convened to address the growing problem of illegal constructions along rivers across Pakistan, which have worsened the devastation caused by recent monsoon floods.
The prime minister described structures such as hotels, restaurants, and houses built on riverbanks as “man-made disasters” that have intensified the scale of destruction. He stressed that such practices can no longer be tolerated and vowed strict action against violators contributing to environmental degradation.
Shehbaz highlighted that deforestation, illegal mining, and timber smuggling have further weakened natural barriers against flooding, amplifying the risks faced by vulnerable communities. He emphasized that long-term preventive measures must be prioritized alongside immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The prime minister also praised the Pakistan Army for its crucial role in ongoing rescue operations, noting that helicopters and ground teams have reached remote areas to evacuate stranded residents. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to extend full support to provinces in managing the crisis.
According to official figures, more than 700 lives have been lost in the recent floods, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffering the highest number of casualties. Shehbaz underscored that the Ministry of Climate Change will be tasked with leading new strategies to prevent future disasters.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.