ISLAMABAD: Amid rising casualties and damage from relentless monsoon rains, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday pledged full federal support to the flood-stricken regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), announcing an urgent relief package and plans to visit GB in solidarity with affected communities.
The commitment came during a high-level review meeting where the Prime Minister was briefed on the mounting human and material losses caused by the recent wave of torrential rains and landslides across the country. So far, 295 lives have been lost, over 700 injured, and more than 1,600 homes destroyed, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
During the meeting, which included key federal ministers and regional leaders, Shehbaz Sharif directed all relevant agencies to intensify coordination with provincial administrations to assess damage and accelerate relief efforts. He emphasized upgrading the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s early warning systems and restoring road and communication infrastructure as immediate priorities.
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik warned of further flooding risks, especially in river systems such as the Chenab, with low to medium-level flooding expected in several regions. He also noted that monsoon activity is likely to intensify further by the end of August.
The session was attended by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and federal ministers Musadik Malik and Attaullah Tarar, among other senior officials.
