G-B CM appeals to Prince Rahim Aga Khan for flood relief support

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan has written a letter to Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims, seeking support from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) following the recent flash floods that have caused widespread devastation across Gilgit-Baltistan.

“The disaster has resulted in the destruction of more than 30 bridges, 13 km of roads, 50 irrigation channels, 40 water supply lines, 500 houses, dozens of vehicles, 26 connecting bridges, and power infrastructure, while also cutting off remote valleys and hampering rescue and relief efforts,” the chief minister said.

He mentioned that his government has mobilized all available resources for emergency response, but the scale of the disaster requires urgent assistance for comprehensive relief and rehabilitation.

“The government of Gilgit-Baltistan, in coordination with national and local partners, has initiated relief efforts to address immediate humanitarian needs. However, the extent of the damage necessitates strong and coordinated rehabilitation support, both material and institutional,” the letter reads.

The chief minister highlighted AKDN’s long and distinguished history of partnership with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying, “The positive and enduring impact of AKDN’s work in health, education, disaster resilience, and community development is deeply felt and acknowledged across the region.”

Gulbar Khan appealed for AKDN’s assistance in rehabilitating essential infrastructure, particularly housing, health centers, schools, and community water systems. He also requested livelihood restoration programs for affected families, especially small farmers, artisans, and local entrepreneurs, as well as support in strengthening local disaster resilience through capacity-building, early warning systems, and climate-resilient construction.

“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have always held in high esteem the vision and compassion of the Aga Khan family. In this hour of need, we turn to Your Highness with hope and gratitude for extending your generous support once again,” the chief minister added.

NDMA issues impact-based weather alerts

The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued impact-based weather alerts for various regions of Pakistan due to an active southwest monsoon system expected to persist from 28th to 31st July 2025. Widespread rainfall is anticipated in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), with heightened risks of flooding, landslides, and urban waterlogging in vulnerable districts.

In Punjab, significant rainfall is anticipated in Sargodha, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Narowal, and adjoining areas. Southern districts including D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan may receive moderate rainfall. Torrents in D.G. Khan and Rajanpur could be reactivated with medium flows, while nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range in northeastern Punjab may also see a rise in water levels. Urban flooding risks remain high in low-lying areas. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautionary measures to protect lives and property.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, moderate rainfall and localized thunderstorms are expected to affect central and lower districts such as Kohistan, Swat, Malakand, Dir, Buner, and surrounding areas. Tributaries like River Swat, Panjkora, Bara, and Kalpani Nullah may swell and contribute to rising flows in River Kabul at Nowshera. River Chitral and its tributaries may also surge due to a combination of glacial melting and rainfall in Booni, Reshun, and adjacent parts of Chitral Valley. Urban flooding is also anticipated in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, and Abbottabad.

Simultaneously, NEOC has also issued flood alerts for various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir due to anticipated monsoon rains. Rainfall is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar, as well as in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Bagh. These areas are at risk of riverine flooding and landslides due to heavy precipitation.

Urban centers like Muzaffarabad and Bagh may also experience waterlogging and flash floods. In Chitral Valley, Buni, and Reshun areas, rainfall combined with melting glaciers may result rise in the water flow of River Chitral.

NDMA has instructed all relevant federal and provincial departments, PDMAs, and local administrations to remain on high alert, pre-deploy flood response teams and equipment, and ensure the immediate clearance of drainage systems. The NDMA has advised citizens to monitor official weather updates, identify safe evacuation routes, and use the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for real-time alerts and guidance. Tourists and travelers should avoid visiting high-altitude or flood-prone areas during the alert period.