PM announces relief for rain-hit Balochistan

Shehbaz vows to leave no stone unturned

As the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday forecast more showers for Balochistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a relief package for people of the rain-hit areas of the province.

Inclement weather has taken a toll on the country in the last few weeks, with Balochistan and K-P badly hit. At least 40 people were killed in rain-related incidents in K-P while hundreds lost their homes to floods in Balochistan. In G-B, main arteries were blocked due to landslides.

The prime minister who took the oath of his office on Sunday, in his first leg of visits to rain-hit areas, arrived in the coastal city. He was accompanied by Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti, and parliamentarians including Atta Tarar and Jam Kamal Khan.

Announcing a compensation package for those affected by the deluge, the prime minister announced Rs2 million each for the families of the deceased, Rs 0.5 million for the injured, and Rs 750,000 for those whose houses were completely damaged.

The prime minister told the media after visiting the rain-affected areas that the government would also give Rs350,000 compensation to the families whose houses were partially damaged in the stormy rains of February 26.

Shehbaz assured that the government would not leave the suffering people alone unless they were resettled in their homes.

In the briefing, he was told that five people were killed in the rain-related incidents across Balochistan, though no casualty was reported in Gwadar.

Read: Gwadar, Kech flood situation reviewed

The prime minister sympathised with the bereaved families and assured that the compensation package would be implemented within four days.

The prime minister lauded Sarfaraz Bugti for his efforts as he rushed to the affected areas soon after his oath and supervised the relief and rescue operations.

“This is not a favour. This is the duty of the newly-elected government and me as the prime minister. This is neither any favor nor any show-off,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated the personnel of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Coastal Guards, PDMA and NDMA for their efforts and recommended the Chief Minister to award them medals and commendation certificates.

He recalled that following the 2022 floods, that time coalition government had distributed Rs 100 billion among the affected people across the country.

Earlier, the prime minister also distributed cheques and relief goods including food items, blankets, water coolers and others among the affected people.

Interacting with the victims, he said, “You are our brothers and sisters. I am here to assure you that the government will not leave you alone. We are with you. How could I sit in Islamabad when you are homeless.”

The prime minister was told that water was receding and the situation in the cities was improving.

It was told that water filtration plants had been set up and medicines have been available for the homeless people.

With additional input from APP