Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Monday, offering a Rs4 billion financial package aimed at restoring the region’s flood-damaged infrastructure. During his visit, the Prime Minister also distributed compensation cheques to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent natural calamities and promised further support for rebuilding efforts.
On his one-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with victims of the recent floods and torrential rains, which have left a significant toll on both lives and property. The Prime Minister announced a comprehensive Rs4 billion package for the rehabilitation of the region’s infrastructure, a critical step towards recovery. As part of his visit, he distributed Rs1 million compensation cheques to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Source: Geo News
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the devastating impact of climate change on Pakistan, stressing the urgent need for an early warning system to prevent future disasters. He lamented the lack of progress over the past several years in addressing these challenges and called for coordinated action from all concerned agencies to mitigate risks and improve disaster management systems.
The Prime Minister further assured the displaced residents of GB that his government would continue its support until they are fully resettled. A damage assessment will be conducted to estimate the full scale of the losses. Additionally, PM Shehbaz outlined plans for key development initiatives, including a 100-megawatt solar power project, which is expected to be completed later this year. He also revealed plans for the inauguration of a Daanish School in the region, with another school to be established in Skardu.
During his visit, the Prime Minister, accompanied by key government officials including Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, and Amir Muqam, was briefed on the flood situation and ongoing relief efforts. The devastating floods have claimed the lives of at least 299 individuals nationwide, including 140 children, with several others still missing after flash floods in Babusar Valley and landslides in the surrounding areas.
In light of the rising climate challenges, the Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for Pakistan to actively participate in global climate change discussions. Despite contributing nearly zero emissions globally, Pakistan remains one of the countries most affected by climate-induced disasters. He emphasized the importance of securing international funds to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure against future climate events.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of more widespread heavy rains in the coming days, with GB and Azad Jammu and Kashmir expected to experience further cloudbursts. The recent increase in rainfall, particularly in July, highlights the growing urgency for addressing Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
