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PM ANNOUNCES RS4BN PACKAGE FOR REBUILDING OF FLOOD-HIT GB INFRASTRUCTURE Tuesday, 5 August, 2025 | 10 Safar, 1447
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SAYS DAMAGE ASSESSMENT WILL BE CONDUCTED TO ESTIMATE LOSSES SUFFERED DURING FLASH FLOODS
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CALLS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVANCED WARNING SYSTEM TO MITIGATE FUTURE DISASTER RISKS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 28 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
DIRECTS MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION
PM leads high-level meeting to expedite flood damages in GB GILGIT
Staff report
P
GILGIT
Staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday undertook a one-day visit to Gilgit Baltistan (GB) to meet victims of recent torrential rains and floods, announcing a Rs4 billion package for infrastructure restoration and distributing compensation cheques among affected families. During his visit, the premier handed over Rs1 million compensation cheques to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the calamity. Offering prayers for the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured, the prime minister said he had come to express solidarity with the flood victims. “Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change,” PM Shehbaz said while addressing the check-
distribution ceremony. He called for the establishment of an advanced warning system to mitigate future disaster risks. “An early warning system is the need of the hour,” he stressed. He lamented that no progress had been made on this front in the past seven years and expressed dissatisfaction that even in the past year and a quarter, significant development was lacking. “I will ask ministers and secretaries why considerable work wasn’t done in this time,” he said, urging all relevant institutions to take coordinated measures to address these issues. Reassuring the victims, PM Shehbaz pledged to continue visiting until all displaced persons were resettled. He also announced that a damage assessment would be conducted to estimate the losses suffered.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Monday for a one-day visit, where he chaired a highlevel meeting to review the damage caused by the recent monsoon rains and floods. The meeting focused on distributing relief funds to those affected by the catastrophic weather events. GB has been heavily impacted by the monsoon rains since late June, with the situation worsening on July 21 when deadly floods swept through the Babusar area, triggering landslides and destroying infrastructure. As of now, at least 10 people, mostly tourists, have been reported dead, and between 10 to 15 tourists remain missing. PM Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the meeting, referred to the destruction in Diamer and other affected areas as “unfortunate” and expressed his condolences for the victims. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister highlighted that while Pakistan’s contribution to global emissions is negligible, it is among the
He directed the Minister for Communications to take immediate steps for infrastructure restoration and pledged that his next visit to the region would take place before the end of this month. The premier further revealed that a
top 10 countries suffering the worst consequences of climate change. Reflecting on the devastating 2022 floods, which killed 1,700 people and caused losses worth $30 billion, PM Shehbaz emphasized the recurring nature of such disasters. “Every year, we witness destruction from climate-induced disasters in varying intensities,” he stated. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of various federal authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and ministries like water, communication, and climate change, for their swift action in relief work. He mentioned that Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik had attended various climate change conferences and secured funding for resilient infrastructure in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz also stressed that the NDMA, initially set up for relief and rehabilitation post-disasters, is working round the clock to restore essential services and assist the affected population. He mentioned that the communication secretary spent six days in GB overseeing the restoration of roads damaged by the floods.
100-megawatt solar power project in the region would be completed this year. He added that a Daanish School would be inaugurated in the next visit, and another one would be established in Skardu.
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PTI protest rallies to be held across country today ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in collaboration with the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-ePakistan (TTAP), is set to launch its highly anticipated protest today against the “illegal” detention of PTI leader Imran Khan. The date marks two years since Imran Khan’s arrest in Lahore on charges related to corruption. To commemorate this, the opposition has announced nationwide protests under the flags of Pakistan, PTI, and a white flag symbolizing peace. TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser addressed a press conference on Sunday at the PTI District Secretariat in Swabi, where he stated that August 5 will be observed as a Black Day across the country. He emphasized that the protests would remain peaceful, abiding by the constitutional and legal framework. Qaiser also called for the presentation of any evidence against Imran Khan in an open court, arguing that the judiciary’s independence is being compromised by the executive. He asserted that Imran Khan’s rights are being violated, which directly undermines democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. Shahram Khan Tarakai, another PTI leader, added that the protest is not a temporary reaction but a long-term struggle. He affirmed that PTI and TTAP were prepared for a peaceful movement that would continue until their objectives are met, including the protection of constitutional rights and judicial independence. Qaiser also demanded a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9 thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. He expressed concern over the weakening of parliament and noted the disturbing trend of government officials altering speeches in the assembly.