SHANGLA: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Safron Amir Muqam Amir Muqam on Sunday expressed solidarity with flood victims in the Malakand Division and assured them of the federal government’s complete financial support for rehabilitation.

He said this during a visit to the calamity-affected areas in Puran area here where he distributed relief goods to families at a UNHCR camp office.

The minister oversaw the distribution of essential supplies, including food, tents, blankets and medical kits, to the families affected by the recent flash floods in the region.

He said the federal government was committed to resolving the post-flood issues, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supervising relief and rescue operations.

“No stone will be left unturned in helping our brothers and sisters affected by this calamity,” he said.

Mr Muqam acknowledged the support of international partners, including UNHCR, in providing aid to flood victims and emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities to ensure timely rehabilitation and long-term recovery of affected communities.

He later met with local officials and rescue teams to review relief efforts and ordered the immediate provision of the required additional support.

The minister also went to the calamity-affected Kotke, Bazarkot, Yakh Tange and Puran areas and reviewed the damage caused to bridges, roads and public property.

The residents highlighted their misery, prompting the minister to promise the federal government’s full support for the rehabilitation of roads, relief operations and safety measures against future floods.

He said the government would take all possible steps to ensure early completion of rehabilitation work and effective planning to prevent such losses in the future.

The minister also visited Khwar banda, Gombat, Chagam and Pitaw Bela and met with flood-hit families. He offered condolences over loss of deaths and examined damaged houses and a medical camp in Gombat.

Mr Muqam praised philanthropists and welfare organisations for helping out flood victims.

He later examined the road connecting the affected areas to Shangla and promised all possible cooperation for electricity restoration.

The minister appreciated people from different walks of life over relief work and said the federal government was committed to providing all possible assistance to calamity victims.

He said the federal government would compensate families for the damage and offer necessary help.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025