K-P cabinet approves Rs20b for flood relief

The 37th meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Wednesday, focused extensively on relief and rehabilitation efforts for flood-affected areas, approving billions in aid and supplementary grants to support victims, restore infrastructure, and accelerate recovery work.

The meeting began with prayers for the martyrs of the recent floods, followed by a comprehensive briefing on human and material losses. Officials informed the cabinet that the first phase of rescue operations had been completed while the search for missing persons continued.

Chief Minister Gandapur praised the district administration, Rescue 1122, and other departments for their timely and courageous efforts, noting that their commitment in saving lives deserved the highest appreciation. He reassured affected families that compensation payments were underway and pledged that "no victim will be left behind."

The Chief Minister directed immediate restoration of health facilities in disaster-hit areas, ensuring availability of essential medicines, mobile hospitals, and preventive measures against epidemics. He also ordered urgent rehabilitation of water supply schemes, tube wells, and damaged road connectivity. Special attention was directed toward providing fodder and veterinary care for livestock.

Highlighting the government's long-term response, Gandapur said data was being compiled on property losses to provide new homes for those who lost shelter, as well as compensation for livestock and businesses. He announced the establishment of a dedicated account for public donations, ensuring complete transparency in distribution. He further revealed that, in addition to Rs3 billion already allocated, another Rs2 billion had been released for relief and rehabilitation.

Additional Chief Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs, Abid Majid, updated the cabinet on rescue operations, damage assessments, and ongoing assistance. He shared district-wise data collection in Bajaur, Dir, Buner, Batagram, Mansehra, Swabi, Shangla, and Abbottabad, covering casualties, missing persons, damaged houses, crops, and cattle. He also reported 65 per cent restoration of cellular coverage in affected areas, with full connectivity expected soon.

To address urgent requirements, the Cabinet approved a supplementary grant of Rs20 billion for near-completion projects, alongside intra-sectoral fund reallocations for efficient financial management. It also sanctioned financial assistance of Rs2 million for each deceased and Rs0.5 million for each injured, while releasing Rs1 billion to PDMA to launch a "Food Stamp" program, granting Rs15,000 to each affected family.

Other key approvals included Rs180 million for K-P Police families of Shuhada and injured personnel, a compensation package for five martyred helicopter crew members, and Rs62.3 million for organizing Seerat Conferences across the province during Rabiul Awal.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved transfer of land for a Rescue 1122 station in Bajaur, sanction of Rs1.38 billion for Kumbar Bypass Road in Lower Dir, and medical assistance of Rs20 million for former MPA Shaukat Yousafzai.