SWAT/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today announced Rs10 billion grant for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to combat floods.
He also ordered the air-lifting of 700 tourists stranded in Swat valley’s Kalam. He has provided his helicopter for the airlift operation.
PM Shehbaz announced this on Wednesday noon during his visit to Kalam valley in Swait.
He regretted that many hotels were established inside and around Swat River unlawfully, which caused more flooding in the area.
Shehbaz Sharif said that he would continue to visit flood-hit areas in KP and other provinces to provide relief to the needy people.
The road link to Kalam remained suspended after floods destroyed bridges and roads in the valley and areas up to Bahrain are accessible by road.
The prime minister arrived in Kalam on Wednesday and met with stranded tourists. A woman tourist from Karachi informed the PM that the influential tourists have been airlifted while others were left unattended.
Shehbaz Sharif assured her that he will monitor the rescue efforts himself and he issued instructions to speed up the evacuation of tourists and others.
The military has been airlifting tourists for the past few days but Shehbaz Sharif has also provided a federal government helicopter reserved for the prime minister to carry out relief operations.
Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to initiate the repair of damaged roads and bridges.
He also interacted with local people and was seen hugging an elderly man, who blessed him with his prayers.
