Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives convened at the Parliament House to assess the ongoing flood response and recovery initiatives across Pakistan. Chaired by Syed Abdul Kadir Gillani, MNA, the session aimed to scrutinize the relief efforts in the wake of recent devastating floods.
The committee received a comprehensive briefing on the impact of the floods, which have claimed 1,037 lives from June to October 2025. The highest casualties were reported in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Additionally, 1,067 people were injured, highlighting the widespread human cost of the disaster.
Efforts to mitigate the livestock crisis have seen 2 million animals vaccinated. The floods also led to the destruction of 12,569 homes, prompting a survey by the Ministry of Planning to assess agricultural damage. Relief supplies totaling 17,370 tons were distributed, with contributions from the Prime Minister’s Relief Package, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, and non-governmental organizations.
Rescue operations have been extensive, with over 5,769 missions rescuing 3 million individuals. Medical relief camps benefited more than 662,000 people. Despite these efforts, infrastructure damage persists as a significant challenge.
The Prime Minister’s relief package included Rs. 2 million in ex-gratia assistance for the next of kin of the deceased. However, the adequacy and effectiveness of the compensations were questioned by the committee members.
Dissatisfaction was expressed regarding the distribution of relief materials, particularly in Multan and Bahawalpur. Chairman Gillani criticized the absence of government officials in affected areas and the lack of coordination in aid distribution.
The effectiveness of the NDMA’s early warning system was questioned, although the authority assured that advisories were issued promptly. Challenges in predicting flood timings were acknowledged.
Future flood risk mitigation strategies were discussed, including the development of dams and prioritizing large natural elevation projects. The committee planned visits to affected areas such as Swat and Multan Division for ground assessments.
The Planning Ministry was tasked with presenting flood containment strategies, and a thorough post-flood economic damage assessment was emphasized. Transparency in the distribution of relief funds was deemed crucial.
Agricultural recovery efforts were also reviewed, with initiatives focusing on seed distribution and irrigation system repairs. The Integrated Flood Risk Assessment Program in Balochistan was discussed, with plans to inspect progress in Naseerabad.
The potential involvement of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Ltd. in managing federal projects was considered, with the Multan Division identified as a trial case.
The meeting concluded with a call for enhanced collaboration between federal and provincial governments to improve flood response and recovery, mitigate future risks, and strengthen disaster management systems. The committee committed to closely monitoring the situation and working towards long-term solutions.
The session was attended by several committee members and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing the flood crisis.