PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, where he distributed a substantial financial aid package to victims of the recent torrential rains.
On behalf of the Federal Government, Prime Minister Sharif distributed Rs. 2 million to the families of each deceased victim and Rs. 500,000 to each injured individual affected by the rain-related incidents across various districts, including merged tribal areas.
The distribution of compensation checks took place at the Governor House, marking Prime Minister Sharif’s first visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since assuming office. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, Members of the National Assembly Khwaja Muhammad Asif, Engr Amir Muqam, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Attaullah Tarar, PML-N Leader Ishaq Dar, former Governor of KP Engr Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, senators, members of provincial assemblies, Chairman of NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, IGP KP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, and relatives of the rain victims were attended the ceremony.
A total of 40 people, including 27 children, lost their lives, and 62 were injured during the recent torrential rains and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Prime Minister Sharif instructed relevant authorities to complete assessments of all destroyed and partially damaged houses within five days and to disburse compensation payments by March 11.
He emphasized the utilization of helicopter facilities to expedite assessments in remote areas, warning that delays would not be tolerated, and officials failing to meet targets would be held accountable.
Prime Minister Sharif announced financial assistance of Rs. 700,000 for the repair of each destroyed house and Rs. 300,000 for each partially damaged house, stressing that while monetary compensation cannot replace human lives, it aims to provide economic relief and dignity to affected families.
Expressing solidarity, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to address climate change, emphasizing the importance of coordination among disaster management authorities across provinces.
He praised the efforts of NDMA, PDMA, police, and district administrations in relief and rescue operations and assured continued support from federal government organizations until full rehabilitation is achieved.
Prime Minister Sharif also met with affected individuals and children, offering words of comfort and personally inquiring about their well-being. Special prayers were offered for the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.
براہِ راست: وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی دورۂ پشاور کے دوران حالیہ طوفانی بارشوں و برفباری کے متاثرین سے ملاقات اور امدادی چیکس کی تقسیم https://t.co/0lB2JjcjSG
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 6, 2024
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was received by KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, with whom he later discussed various issues, including economic affairs.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا دورۂ پشاور۔
حالیہ طوفانی بارشوں و برفباری کے نتیجے میں نقصانات کے ازالہ کے لیے مصیبت کی اس گھڑی میں وفاقی حکومت متاثرین کے ساتھ ہر قسم کا تعاون کرے گی۔
متاثرہ گھروں کے مکینوں کو آئندہ پانچ روز میں امدادی رقوم کی فراہمی یقینی بنائی جائے۔ متاثرین کی… pic.twitter.com/khlFY8pFMO— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 6, 2024
