PM announces Rs1m payout over rain deaths

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that the government would provide compensation of Rs1 million each to the families of those who lost their lives during the floods and torrential rains across the country, including Balochistan and Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa.

The premier, while chairing a high-level meeting to discuss the flood situation in both the provinces, said the compensation would be given after a joint survey of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the provincial disaster management authorities.

He directed the acting NDMA chairman to immediately reach Quetta and work with the Balochistan government for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood-stricken people.

Calling for coordinated efforts between the federal and provincial governments, he said there was no room for complacency.

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PM Shehbaz asked the NDMA to increase its presence in the flood-affected areas of Balochistan and K-P. He said the country’s dams were safe and secure, however, the situation was being monitored round the clock.

He told the meeting that he would soon visit Balochistan to assess the extent of damage and express solidarity with the flood-ravaged population.

He directed the federal and provincial government departments to remain on high alert in view of monsoon rains in the coming days.

"We are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," he said.

He appreciated the efforts of the Balochistan and K-P governments during the torrential rains and assured them that the federal government would provide them all-out support.