ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Sunday that the government is fully committed to supporting flood-affected communities and ensuring their rehabilitation, as the country reels from weeks of devastating monsoon rains and flash floods.
Speaking to the media, the minister stated that the Prime Minister has declared a climate and agricultural emergency.
He added that damage assessment surveys are currently in progress, and a special committee has been formed to evaluate the losses suffered by farmers.
“The most critical issue at this moment is providing immediate relief to the affected people,” Aurangzeb emphasized.
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in coordination with the federal cabinet, had declared the emergency. “Whatever actions are necessary under this emergency will be taken without delay,” he added.
The Finance Minister commended the armed forces, Rescue 1122, and district administrations for their prompt and effective response during the recent floods. He highlighted that in areas such as Toba Tek Singh, Kamalia, and Pirmahal, timely action by the authorities helped keep the loss of life to a minimum.
Aurangzeb emphasised that the government is now shifting its focus from emergency relief efforts to the rehabilitation phase.
“This is not the time for politics — we have worked beyond political lines for the welfare of flood victims,” he said.
Aurangzeb confirmed that floods have severely damaged basic infrastructure – roads, bridges, homes – and agricultural lands.
He revealed that the Prime Minister has instructed the development of a practical, long-term strategy to effectively tackle such disasters, emphasizing that a comprehensive action plan must be finalised within the next 300 days. He also mentioned that floodwaters have begun to recede in several regions, improving access and facilitating the distribution of relief.
Electricity bills
As a major relief measure, the minister announced that the Prime Minister has ordered the suspension of electricity bills for the month of August in flood-hit areas.
“It is unfair to send utility bills to people who are already struggling to survive. Those who have already paid will receive adjustments,” he added.
Senator Aurangzeb urged the nation to remain united during this crisis. “We must support each other in this hour of need,” he continued.
He also warned against artificial inflation, promising strict action against those manipulating prices amid the disaster.
“Creating artificial price hikes is unacceptable. We have all the necessary resources to manage this situation,” the minister maintained.
On the economic front, he noted a decline in global oil prices and highlighted growing foreign investment in Pakistan—both encouraging indicators for the country’s economic prospects. He also confirmed that upcoming discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will cover the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas impacted by the floods.
Flood havoc claims 972 lives
According to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), torrential rains and flash floods have wreaked havoc in many regions of the country, claiming 972 lives, injuring 1,062 people, destroying 8,481 homes, and killing 6,509 livestock since June 26.
At least 972 people, including 266 children, 547 men, and 159 women, have lost their lives in flood-hit areas of the country in incidents related to torrential rains and flash flooding.
At least 283 people have died in Punjab, including 107 children, 127 men, and 49 women.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the death toll has reached 504, with 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women among the victims. Sindh has reported 71 fatalities, comprising 33 children, 30 men, and 8 women.
Sindh has reported 71 fatalities, comprising 33 children, 30 men, and 8 women.
Flash floods have caused widespread devastation in most areas of the country, with Balochistan reporting 26 fatalities—including 16 children, 6 men, and 4 women.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 41 people lost their lives, among them 6 children, 26 men, and 9 women. Azad Jammu & Kashmir recorded 38 deaths due to the deluge, comprising 9 children, 17 men, and 12 women.
