PM Shehbaz visits G-B to review flood damage, distribute aid

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday for a day-long visit to assess the damage caused by recent rains and flooding across the region.

The premier was received by Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan. PM Sharif was briefed on the current flood situation and the extent of damage by the Governor, who also updated him on the progress of various development projects in the region. In a meeting with the governor, the two leaders offered prayers for those who lost their lives in the floods.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to meet with flood-affected residents and personally distribute financial assistance to victims. Later, the PM is also expected to hold a separate meeting with the CM to discuss ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

July floods

In the last week of July, a powerful flash flood had swept through multiple villages in the Ishkoman Valley of Ghizer district, damaging at least 64 homes across eight locations.

According to government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, the floodwaters hit villages including Faizabad and Daudabad, leaving 22 houses completely destroyed and 42 partially damaged. Eighteen shops, agricultural lands spanning thousands of kanals, fruit trees, forests, two wooden factories, a community center (Jamat Khana), DJ High School, and two vehicles were also swept away. Infrastructure damage included two kilometers of roads, three kilometers of a power channel, and 18 irrigation channels.

G-B faces communication disruptions as floods sever fiber optic network

CM Gulbar Khan had ordered the immediate escalation of rescue operations, with disaster management teams and local officials already on-site. He had declared Niyat, Khunnar, and Thor as disaster-hit areas and confirmed that search efforts will continue until all missing persons are recovered. He also directed the urgent delivery of tents and relief supplies to the displaced and announced financial aid for the families of those who lost their lives.

A comprehensive survey of damaged homes had been carried out to determine compensation. Faraq noted fresh alerts have been issued amid forecasts of more heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and road blockages. Tourists had also been urged to avoid non-essential travel, and residents are advised to stay away from low-lying areas. Emergency control rooms were activated across districts. “We will not leave the affected people alone in this difficult time,” Faraq had assured, emphasising the government’s commitment to rehabilitation.