Islamabad, Following the recent devastating torrential rains and heavy snowfall, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, embarked on visits to Gwadar and Peshawar on the 5th and 6th of March respectively. These visits were aimed at expressing solidarity with the victims and overseeing the ongoing relief efforts in the affected regions. The Prime Minister’s initiative highlighted the government’s commitment to providing immediate support and assistance to those impacted by the natural disasters.
According to National Disaster Management Authority, during the flight to the affected areas, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a detailed briefing from Chairman NDMA on the extent of the losses and damages, as well as the rescue and relief operations underway. This included the coordination with KSrelief for the distribution of 7,000 dry ration packs in Gwadar, scheduled for the 7th and 8th of March, 2024. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced ex gratia assistance for the affected families across the country, which encompasses financial support for the deceased, injured, and those whose houses were either fully or partially damaged.
In Gwadar, the Prime Minister personally interacted with the victims, distributing cheques for house damage compensation. He was briefed on the extensive relief and rescue operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy, the Government of Balochistan, and the establishment of medical camps by the Pakistan Army, NGOs, and philanthropists. The efforts of NDMA, PDMA Balochistan, Pakistan Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and humanitarian organizations like Al-Khidmat were commended by the Prime Minister for their swift response in providing relief and managing the aftermath of the inundation.
The visit underscored NDMA’s proactive measures in issuing timely advisories and coordinating with local and international partners for the provision and stockpiling of essential supplies, ensuring preparedness for emergency response to anticipated weather-related emergencies.
In Peshawar, the Prime Minister distributed compensation cheques to the next of kin of deceased individuals, the injured, and those who lost their homes due to rain and snow-related incidents. A joint survey for house damage compensation was announced, along with the awarding of commendation certificates to individuals who showed exceptional performance during the relief operations.
The Prime Minister chaired a meeting at the Governor House KPK to review ongoing relief efforts and directed the use of modern technology and satellites for the early prediction of natural disasters. He emphasized the need for a rapid assessment of the damages to communication infrastructure and the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the assistance and rehabilitation of the victims. This visit signifies a concerted effort by the Pakistani government to address and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on its citizens.