PM Shehbaz Vows Maximum Support for Flood Victims, Orders Swift Relief and Recovery Efforts

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited the flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla, and Swabi, where he assured that “every available national resource will be mobilized to accelerate recovery efforts and restore normalcy in the affected areas.”

According to the PM Office, the prime minister was accompanied by federal ministers and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Both leaders received a detailed briefing on the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During interactions with flood victims, the premier reaffirmed the Federal Government’s and Pakistan Army’s “unwavering commitment to extending maximum support in this critical hour.” He praised the efforts of the Armed Forces and civil administration and stressed solidarity with the affected communities.

PM Shehbaz also highlighted the role of illegal encroachments, timber mafia, and mining activities in worsening the damage, directing strict legal action against defaulters without distinction. He emphasized that Pakistan “must act as a hard state where no one is above law.”

The COAS, meanwhile, met with troops, police, and civil administration officials engaged in relief work, lauding their devotion and urging them to spare no effort in assisting flood victims.

Later, the prime minister distributed relief cheques among affected families and announced seven days of free electricity for victims, along with immediate road repairs. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, noting that around 350 people had died in KP and more than 700 nationwide due to heavy rains and floods.

The premier stressed the need for long-term policies to curb construction on natural waterways and protect forests, reiterating that there should be “no politics in times of such national crisis.” He acknowledged the efforts of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin, the Armed Forces, and Field Marshal Asim Munir in relief and recovery operations.

Shehbaz Sharif concluded by underscoring Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, warning that deforestation and unchecked construction exacerbate the devastation caused by such natural disasters.