Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited the flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla, and Swabi, reaffirming that every national resource would be mobilized to accelerate recovery efforts and restore normalcy. He was accompanied by federal ministers and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
During a briefing on ongoing rescue and relief operations, the prime minister assured victims of the federal government and Pakistan Army’s unwavering support. Appreciating the armed forces, police, and civil administration, he emphasized that no effort should be spared in alleviating the suffering of flood-stricken families.
The prime minister also criticized illegal encroachments, the timber mafia, and unregulated mining, particularly in waterways, which exacerbate destruction. He directed strict action against violators, stressing that Pakistan must act as a strong state where no one is above the law.
COAS Asim Munir interacted with troops and relief workers, lauding their dedication, and instructed formations to continue assisting affected families with utmost devotion.
Later, the prime minister distributed relief cheques among victims and offered Fateha for those who lost their lives. Expressing sorrow, he said cloudbursts and heavy rains had devastated KP, where around 350 people died, while overall more than 700 lives were lost nationwide.
Recalling the 2022 floods, he highlighted that hundreds of thousands of acres of crops and countless homes were destroyed. At that time, Rs 100 billion in federal aid was provided. He pledged similar commitment today, announcing seven days of free electricity for affected families and urgent road repairs, regardless of jurisdiction.
The premier stressed the need to discourage construction along waterways, noting that hotels and homes built illegally worsen disasters. He urged new policies to prevent such practices.
Acknowledging KP Chief Minister Ali Amin’s efforts and the army’s cooperation under Field Marshal Munir, he underscored that Pakistan faces dual challenges of terrorism and climate disasters, but unity must prevail. He also warned deforestation is intensifying cloudbursts and urged forest preservation to mitigate climate risks.
