The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a mobile app-based digital payment system to ensure transparent and timely compensation for flood victims. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur formally inaugurated the initiative on Monday.
The newly developed app, "Digital Disaster Compensation Management", was created by the K-P Information Technology Board in record time and integrated with the government's central service delivery platform "Dastak." Through the system, flood-affected families will receive compensation for damaged properties directly via online transfers.
Victims will be able to upload details of property losses and submit claims digitally. Using geo-tagging, the mechanism aims to eliminate false claims, while verification of damages and disbursement of payments will be fully automated. Officials said the process would remain completely paperless and cashless.
A dedicated dashboard will allow the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and senior officials to monitor real-time data on reported damages and disbursed payments. Calling the launch a "major step" toward swift and transparent relief, Gandapur praised officials for developing the app within a short time. "This will not only provide quick payments to the victims but also guarantee transparency in the process," he remarked.
In addition, the Chief Minister announced that he will donate his one-month salary to support flood victims across the province. Provincial cabinet members will contribute 15 days' salary, MPAs seven days' salary, Grade-17 and above officers two days' salary, while employees from Grade-1 to 16 will give one day's salary.
To ensure accountability, Gandapur directed that a special account be set up under the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) with a clear and transparent mechanism for disbursing funds. He assured that every rupee would be properly accounted for and details made public.
"The flood-affected people deserve our utmost attention and support," the Chief Minister said. "In this difficult time, all of us must come forward generously to help them."
He said that government has intensified relief operations in the flood-affected districts, particularly in Buner, where emergency camps have been established to assist victims.
In the first phase, compensation payments for the deceased and injured are already underway. Meanwhile, a survey to assess property losses is in progress. Chief Minister directed officials to ensure early completion of all compensation disbursements for fatalities and injuries.
He further instructed the administration to expedite the survey of damages to private properties, including livestock and shops, and compile accurate data in the shortest possible time. Gandapur also emphasized providing cash assistance instead of ready-made food, enabling victims to utilize the funds according to their needs.
The chief minister underlined the need for a transparent mechanism based on NADRA data to ensure fair distribution of aid. He also directed that district administrations must never face a shortage of funds for any relief activity, stressing the constant availability of financial resources.
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