ISLAMABAD – In the wake of devastating monsoon rains and widespread flooding across the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched an urgent outreach to political leaders, calling for unity and collective action to mitigate the crisis that has paralyzed several regions.
During the high-level engagement, the Prime Minister contacted key figures including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the PPP, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-P, assuring that the federal government stands ready to extend full support to provinces battling the catastrophic impact of heavy downpours.
Officials revealed that Shehbaz directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate closely with provincial agencies to speed up relief and rescue efforts, particularly in Sindh and Karachi, where urban flooding has brought life to a standstill. He emphasized that a unified and coordinated response is critical as the situation continues to worsen.
The Prime Minister also announced the activation of a Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to streamline financial support and ensure that aid reaches affected families without delay. Though an earlier decision for cabinet members to donate one month’s salary was withdrawn, Shehbaz urged individuals and organizations to come forward with contributions for the rehabilitation of flood victims.
At a comprehensive briefing, officials warned of a sharp rise in casualties as more regions reported deaths due to floods and landslides. Over 700 lives have been lost nationwide, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recording more than 450 deaths since mid-August. Displacement in rural communities and damage to roads, bridges, and power infrastructure have further deepened the crisis.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the armed forces, NDMA, and local administration for their swift rescue operations. He also ordered the uninterrupted supply of electricity to flood-affected areas in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and directed immediate repair work on damaged infrastructure.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the role of climate change and poor urban planning in exacerbating the floods, calling for strict legislative measures to prevent illegal construction along waterways. He announced plans for a meeting with all chief ministers to develop strategies for sustainable disaster risk reduction.
As heavy rains continue and forecasts predict more downpours, the Prime Minister urged political leaders, government institutions, and citizens to demonstrate unity and resilience in facing what he termed a “national crisis demanding collective resolve.”
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.