PM wants transparent provision of relief to rain victims

Shehbaz calls for materialising $10b agreements signed with Kuwait

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday sought a report regarding swift completion and transparent provision of relief to the people affected by recent torrential rains across the country.

He also directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to accomplish a joint survey report in collaboration with the provinces, besides enhancement of cooperation with the provinces to face the future calamities.

The prime minister also sought an implementation report over his directive in the previous tenure regarding technical improvement of NDMA, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister was given a detailed briefing by the NDMA about the relief and rehabilitation activities in the wake of recent torrential rains as well as weather forecast and preparedness.

The meeting was apprised of the recent damages, rescue efforts and distribution of assistance amount.

The NDMA with assistance of provinces; specially Balochistan would soon complete a collective verification survey over number of complete and partially damaged houses.

Under the prime minister’s directive, a total of 766,000kg dry ration would be distributed in Gwadar till March 24 out of which about 388,000kg ration had been distributed so far till March 16. Moreover, 97,000kg ration had been distributed in Quetta and Dalbadin, it was further informed.

Kuwaiti ambassador

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for concerted efforts to ensure the early implementation of seven agreements worth $10 billion signed between Pakistan and Kuwait in November last year.

The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Pakistan Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi who called on him.

The prime minister noted with satisfaction that both countries had signed seven agreements for cooperation in diverse areas including food security, technology, hydel power, mining and minerals, water supply and mangrove rehabilitation, a PM Office press release said.

In this context, he emphasized the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) which provided a robust and efficient mechanism to attract foreign investment into Pakistan.

The Kuwaiti ambassador thanked Pakistan for its support to Kuwait in difficult times.