Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited flood-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pledging that all available national resources would be mobilised to accelerate recovery and restore normalcy in the devastated areas.
Accompanied by federal ministers and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the premier toured Swat, Buner, Shangla and Swabi, where he was briefed on ongoing rescue and relief operations.
During his interaction with victims, Mr Sharif assured them of the federal government’s and Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to provide maximum support. He appreciated the efforts of the armed forces and civil administration, and called for strict action against illegal encroachments, timber mafia and mining activities in waterways, which he termed a major cause of destruction.
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The COAS also lauded troops, police and civil administration for their dedication, directing them to continue relief efforts with utmost devotion.
Earlier, the prime minister distributed relief cheques among the affected families and offered Fateha for those who lost their lives in the calamity. He said more than 700 people had died nationwide due to rains and floods, including 350 in KP alone.
The prime minister further announced seven days of free electricity for flood victims, and directed immediate repairs of damaged road infrastructure, regardless of jurisdiction. Stressing the need to end construction on waterways and protect forests, he reiterated that climate change and deforestation were aggravating the scale of natural disasters.
Mr Sharif underscored that there should be “no politics in times of national crisis,” and appreciated the cooperation of KP’s chief minister and armed forces in relief operations.
