ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s early warning system be urgently upgraded and made fully operational to minimise the damage caused by extreme weather events.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review the flood situation in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the tragic loss of life and property across the country, particularly in these two regions, as a result of the ongoing severe monsoon season.
He reaffirmed the government’s full support for the governments, administrations, and people of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during this challenging time. The Prime Minister also announced plans to visit Gilgit-Baltistan soon to show solidarity with affected communities. A relief package will be provided by the Federal Government to help compensate for the losses as much as possible.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for all relevant federal institutions to work in close coordination with the local administrations of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to assess the scale of the damage. He emphasised that preventing further human and financial losses must remain the top priority in ongoing relief operations. He also directed both local and federal agencies to prioritise the restoration, construction, and repair of communication infrastructure and roads.
Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), briefed the meeting on the monsoon’s nationwide impact, the weather forecast for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the measures implemented so far.
He informed that 295 people have lost their lives, over 700 have been injured, and more than 1,600 homes have been completely destroyed. Additionally, 376 livestock have perished due to the rains.
The briefing also highlighted the intense flooding in rivers and streams during the current monsoon. Low-level flooding is expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Kalabagh, while medium-level flooding is anticipated at Marala and Guddu along the Chenab River.
The Chairman added that the monsoon season is expected to intensify further towards the end of the month. He said that the NDMA is undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure the implementation of effective preventative measures.
