ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered week-long uninterrupted electricity supply in flood-hit areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa, as road and power supply was restored in these areas on Tuesday.

In another development, the prime minister talked to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and assured all-out support of the federal government for the safety, rescue and relief of the people of Sindh and Karachi who were badly hit by torrential rains on Tuesday.

The prime minister also directed the National Disaster Management Autho­rity (NDMA) Chairman, Lt-Gen Ghulam Haider, to be prepared to meet the situation expected to occur during the rains in Sindh in the next two weeks.

Presiding over a high-level meeting to review relief and rehabilitation operations in the flood-affected areas, the PM said: “Ensure a week-long uninterrupted power supply to all flood-hit areas and seamless electricity for those who have lost loved ones, are injured, or whose homes are damaged is not just a duty, it’s a pious act.”

CM Murad assured of full federal govt support for relief of people of Sindh hit by torrential rains; launches tree-plantation drive

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan visited Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed satisfaction over the restoration of traffic in the minimum time.

He was informed that the National Highway Authority and Frontier Works Organisation have jointly worked on a war-footing basis on the affected highways and within minimal time opened Skardu and its surrounding roads for traffic while construction work on some bridges is still in progress.

“Heavy rains and flash floods on August 15 severely damaged lives, property and the communications system; however, NHA promptly began repair work and already opened several roads and highways in Gilgit-Baltistan for traffic.

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The meeting was informed that Jaglot–Skardu Road had been severely damaged, however, this and other roads in the province were now opened for traffic while rehabilitation work was under progress at various locations especially where bridges have been washed away.

The prime minister in the meeting commended the collective response to the flood crisis. “Those who are serving day and night in these calamity-stricken areas will be rewarded by the Almighty. The God will bless you all,” he added.

He extended special thanks to federal ministers, secretaries, the chairman of the NDMA, chief secretaries of the provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as well as the armed forces, who he noted are working around the clock to evacuate stranded citizens, distribute food, and operate helicopters in remote regions.

PM Shehbaz also lauded the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), describing their humanitarian efforts as “a divine service”.

“This is a very difficult time. If we sacrifice our sleep and comfort for the nation, it will surely bring us a divine reward,” he remarked.

The prime minister highlighted key achievements, including the restoration of 37 out of 49 energy feeders, calling it a significant contribution to stabilising essential services. He also praised the work of the FWO, National Logistics Cell (NLC), and the Ministry of Communications for rapid road infrastructure repairs in Buner, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

PM Shehbaz also commended efforts in the communication and power sectors as vital to supporting affected populations.

He announced that he will continue engagement with his team via Zoom and plans to visit the affected areas soon to oversee operations personally.

“We are united in this mission and every hand extended in help today will earn the reward of the nation — and of God,” the prime minister said.

Tree plantation drive

Later, launching the annual monsoon tree plantation campaign, Prime Minister Shehbaz gave special directions to pay particular attention to tree plantation in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to mitigate the impacts of seasonal and flood-related disasters.

“Pakistan is among the countries worst affected by climate change. The Ministry of Climate Change should ensure full preparations for the upcoming Global Climate Change Conference”, the prime minister said.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2025