PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir visit flood-hit Buner, pledge support for victims
Pakistan
He will also meet flood victims in Buner and distribute cheques among them
BUNER (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday visited areas devastated by flood here and Shangla.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam welcomed the prime minister and the field marshal in Swat. Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Ahsan Iqbal accompanied the prime minister.
According to officials, they proceeded to Buner and conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Buner and Shangla.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir were given a detailed briefing on rescue and relief operations. The prime minister also met with flood victims in Buner and distributed relief cheques.
He expressed solidarity with the flood victims and assured them of full support and assistance during this difficult time.
He stated that all resources would be utilised to accelerate the rehabilitation process in the devastated areas.
He said that encroachments, the timber mafia, and especially illegal mining and crushing in water channels are major causes of human casualties and damage. Strict legal action would be taken against elements involved in illegal activities, encroachments, and environment degradation, he added.
Field Marshal Munir also met personnel of the Pakistan Army, police, and civil administration engaged in rescue operations in the affected areas and praised their selfless dedication in relief efforts.
MEDIA BRIEFING
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the ISPR director general, and the NDMA chairman jointly briefed the media on the ongoing relief operations following recent heavy rains and flash floods that caused extensive loss of life and property in the country.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that army troops, rescue teams, and Army Aviation are carrying out relief operations in flood-hit areas following the directives of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“Over 6,000 people have been provided medical aid, while doctors from medical battalions and CMH have been sent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.
He added that 90 roads in KP were destroyed, several bridges rebuilt, and ration supplies were being delivered by road and helicopter.
Information Minister Atta Tarar said that urban flooding had caused heavy human and material losses.
“So far, 25,000 people have been shifted to safe areas. Electricity supply in KP, which was badly damaged, has been restored up to 70 percent. Relief efforts, including tents, medical teams, and road restorations, are underway,” he maintained.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider reported that 670 deaths and over 1,000 injuries have been recorded due to rains, glacier melting, and cloudbursts. Since August 17, around 25,000 people have been rescued. He warned of another spell of heavy rains expected till August 23, while 50% of road restoration work has already been completed.
