PM, federal cabinet donate one month’s salary to KP flood victims

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting today to review and coordinate ongoing relief activities for the victims of recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also issued a series of urgent directives aimed at accelerating the federal government’s response.

The prime minister also announced that he and the entire federal cabinet would donate one month’s salary to support flood relief efforts in the province. He said that “this is not a time for politics, but a time for service” and called for united action to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Also read: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood death toll climbs to 379, more rains coming

Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for all federal institutions to intensify their efforts in providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation. “In this hour of distress, we must ensure the affected people are helped and rehabilitated without delay,” he added.

The premier unveiled that the federal government will provide financial aid to flood victims through a special relief package under his supervision. The Minister for Kashmir Affairs has been assigned to oversee the distribution of relief items and rehabilitation operations, while other federal ministers will supervise the restoration of electricity, water supply, and road infrastructure in flood-hit regions.

Directing his ministers to be on the ground, PM Sharif said that cabinet members should personally visit the affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He further instructed the Ministry of Power to conduct inspections in flood-stricken regions and ensure swift restoration of energy services.

To ensure smooth access for rescue and relief operations, the prime minister ordered the National Highway Authority (NHA) to prioritise opening roads and not allocate funds for other projects until affected routes are cleared.

He also directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to present a comprehensive assessment of the damage and prepare an immediate plan for the equitable distribution of relief items in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to release the necessary funds to the NDMA without delay.

Health services are also being mobilized. The premier directed the Ministry of Health to dispatch medical teams and establish camps equipped with medicines in the flood-affected areas. Additionally, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has been directed to support the victims through its social safety net.

Also read: CM Gandapur visits flood-hit Buner, assures full compensation to victims

Federal ministers will remain on-site in the affected regions “until the last person is helped and basic infrastructure is restored,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. The meeting reiterated commitment from the federal government to support the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this time of crisis.