GILGIT; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan to review the devastation caused by recent heavy rains and flash floods, announcing a comprehensive Rs4 billion relief and rehabilitation package for the region.
Chairing a high-level meeting and addressing a relief distribution ceremony in Gilgit, the prime minister said that the recent monsoon spell triggered cloudbursts that led to destructive floods, claiming lives, damaging homes, and destroying infrastructure. He expressed deep solidarity with the affected people and pledged continuous support until full rehabilitation was achieved.
Under the newly announced compensation package, families of the deceased are receiving Rs1 million each, the seriously injured Rs500,000, those with minor injuries Rs200,000, and households that lost homes will be granted Rs500,000 for reconstruction. The premier emphasized that the current support package far exceeds the Rs200,000 compensation provided during the 2022 disaster.
Shehbaz Sharif also unveiled key development initiatives, including a 100-megawatt solar energy project to alleviate winter power shortages and the establishment of a Danish School to provide quality education to children from underprivileged families in the region. “Education is not an expense but an investment in our nation’s future,” he remarked.
Highlighting the urgency of preparedness, he warned that without early action, no response could be sufficient in the face of natural disasters. The prime minister lamented the lack of implementation of an early warning system that has been pending for seven years and called for its immediate activation.
Reiterating Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite contributing nearly zero emissions, PM Shehbaz stressed that the country remains among the top ten nations most affected by global warming. He urged active participation in global climate summits to secure international support for resilient infrastructure development.
He directed the Ministry of Communications to expedite road repair and reconstruction work in the flood-hit areas and expressed his personal commitment to monitor both the solar park and Danish School projects.
To address local governance and development concerns, the prime minister announced the formation of a dedicated committee comprising Federal Minister for Kashmir and GB Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, Advisor Rana Sanaullah, along with consultation from the GB Governor and Chief Minister.
Later, PM Shehbaz held a meeting with GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan to discuss the situation on the ground, including the province’s response efforts. The chief minister briefed the prime minister on rescue and relief operations and acknowledged the federal government’s support. He also appreciated the decision to establish Danish Schools in the region.
The event was attended by senior officials, including GB Governor, federal ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider. The prime minister vowed to continue visiting the region and overseeing relief and development efforts until full recovery is ensured.
