PM visits flood-affected areas of G-B, announces compensation package

Rs0.5m announced for each deceased victim's family and Rs0.15m for each injured person

GILGIT-BALTISTAN: During his visit to flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Thursday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a relief package of Rs150 million for uplift efforts and Rs500 million for the reconstruction of roads in Ghanche district.

The premier also announced Rs0.5 million for each deceased victim's family, Rs0.15 million for each injured victims, Rs0.25 million for the reconstruction of damaged houses and Rs15,000 – 50,000 for those who lost their cattle in the recent floods.

Read: Flood situation: CM says spare no effort in rescue, rehabilitation

Addressing flood victims in Ghanche, he said, “We want to help you with all resources available in this time of crisis.” He added that the government was determined to resolve all the problems of the people of G-B.

“I have not come here for the first time. I have been here before and am very well acquainted with this area,” said the prime minister.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also announced Rs150 million for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) while appreciating the body’s efforts for uplift activities across the country.

He further went on to add that the Pakistan Army and the civil administration of G-B have played a vital role in the relief efforts.

At least five people were killed and hundreds of others displaced as floods, triggered by monsoon rains and glacier melt down, wreaked havoc this month in the region.

Read: Streamlining work: Relief efforts in full swing for flood-affected areas

“I’m here to see the destruction caused by the floods,” he said. “I wouldn’t have the first hand knowledge if I had stayed back at Islamabad.”

Meanwhile, the premier said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would “bring prosperity to the people of this area and everyone will be benefitted by the project.”

The prime minister pointed out that the tourism industry has a lot of potential and could resolve the financial woes of the province’s people. In this regard, he directed the chief minister to take every possible effort for the progress and prosperity of the province.

Read: Encroachments to blame for casualties, destruction during floods: K-P CM

Earlier upon his arrival, the premier was briefed on the relief activities being carried out in Skardu and Ghanche districts.