Shehbaz tells cabinet flood, rehabilitation are 'collective responsibility'

Over 700 people have died in monsoon-related incidents across country since June 26

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that providing relief and rehabilitation to those affected by rains and floods is our collective responsibility.

Addressing the federal cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz said that compensation is being paid to the families of those who lost their lives during the rains.

More than 700 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 injured in monsoon-related incidents across the country since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).In Punjab, at least 165 people have died and 584 others have been injured due to rain-related incidents. 

Of the total fatalities, at least 356 were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). In Karachi, at least seven people lost their lives as heavy downpours inundated neighbourhoods, crippled traffic and caused widespread power outages, prompting the mayor to declare a rain emergency.

Read: Heavy rains hit daily wage earners hard

He said that under the supervision of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army is actively participating in relief operations.

Earlier this week, PM and COAS visited flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla and Swabi, pledging that every available national resource would be mobilised to accelerate recovery and restore normalcy.

PM drew attention towards the illegal encroachments, timber mafia and mining / crushing activities, especially in waterways which contribute greatly towards loss of lives and damages. COAS interacted with troops, police and civil administration personnel involved in rescue efforts, lauding their selfless commitment in assisting victims of floods and torrential rains. 

Moreover, PM also announced that the federal cabinet will donate one month’s salary to support flood-affected communities in K-P. Kashmir and G-B Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam had been tasked with overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods.