'Time to rise above politics': PM calls for unity to help flood victims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed on Friday to actively carry out relief and rehabilitation work for all those affected by the floods, in separate addresses in the flood-hit areas of South Punjab, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Rojhan and Rajanpur.

Addressing the public at Dera Gazi Khan, the prime minister said the demand for water channels by the locals would be fulfilled soon, promising to leave no stone unturned till every flood victim was provided relief.

The premier said that as per the 2010’s National Finance Commission (NFC) award around 58 percent of the resources go to the provinces. He called upon the provincial governments to address the needs of the people.

Shehbaz mentioned that he utilized Punjab's funds to launch development projects during his stint as the chief minister.

He maintained that the federal government was committed to providing relief to the people of flood-affected areas, and ensuring their early rehabilitation. He also emphasized ensuring that the compensation is disbursed among the victims.

PM Shehbaz said that the federal government had increased the cash assistance for injured people from Rs25,000 to 250,000 and had also announced a similar compensation of Rs0.5 million for both mud and concrete houses damaged completely, and Rs 0.2 million for the ones partially destroyed.

He urged upon the departments concerned to take measures in advance to cater to new rain spells in the flood-affected areas.

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'Govt to actively pursue relief work'

Addressing a public gathering in Rojhan, the prime minister said that the federal government was committed to facilitating the flood-affected people in collaboration with the provincial government.

The prime minister said the government, as its prime vision to serve the people, would extend every possible assistance to those who suffered losses in the wake of recent floods. He advised the departments concerned to be vigilant of the upcoming rain spells to avoid further damage to human lives, property and livestock.

PM Shehbaz said, “The affected people are looking towards the government for mitigation of their sufferings and stress, any negligence in the supply of food, medicines, and accommodation will not be tolerated”.

He emphasized providing uniform facilitation to flood victims across the country and ordered ensuring proper cleaning, sanitation, and fumigation measures in the flood-hit areas to avert the spread of diseases, and the provision of clean drinking water to control gastric diseases.

He also spoke about the need for a joint survey by federal and provincial governments to assess the damages in the wake of floods.

The premier said that both the federal and provincial governments were working round the clock to provide relief to the affected population.

The prime minister earlier had an aerial view of the area to see the devastation caused by the heavy rains.

The initial survey has also been submitted to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.