Premier warns illegal encroachments, timber smuggling and mining worsened floods, urging strict action
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday 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. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, prime minister and field marshal received a comprehensive briefing on rescue and relief operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Federal ministers and senior officials also joined the visit. During their interaction with survivors, PM Shehbaz assured victims of the federal government’s and Pakistan Army’s unwavering support. “We will extend maximum assistance in this critical hour,” he said, while appreciating the “tireless dedication” of the armed forces and civil administration. He also drew attention towards illegal encroachments, timber smuggling and mining in worsening the disaster. He stressed that Pakistan “must act as a hard state where no one is above the law” and directed action against violators. The PM said more than 350 people had been killed in K-P alone, while nationwide casualties exceeded 700. The prime minister disbursed relief cheques among victims and announced seven days of free electricity for affected households. He ordered immediate repair of damaged road infrastructure, regardless of whether it fell under provincial or federal jurisdiction. “Hotels and houses built on waterways increase the impact of floods,” he warned, calling for stricter policies to prevent illegal construction and protect natural water channels. He also urged the preservation of forests, noting that deforestation was a factor behind destructive cloudbursts. Recalling the 2022 floods, PM Shehbaz said hundreds of thousands of acres of crops were destroyed and homes washed away in Sindh, prompting Rs100 billion in federal aid. “Today, with the support of all stakeholders, the government is fully committed to facing this new challenge,” he said. The PM stressed that there should be no politics in times of crisis. He praised K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the armed forces and civil administration for their relief efforts. He also lauded the support of Field Marshal Munir, “under whose cooperation the government is striving to stabilise the economy.” Pakistan ranks among the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, he noted, adding that climate change, deforestation and unchecked development have amplified the scale of natural disasters.
