Gilgit: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a PKR 4 billion recovery fund for the flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), pledging continued support for the rehabilitation of displaced communities and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.
During a visit to Gilgit to meet those impacted by recent cloudbursts and flash floods, the prime minister expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and property, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding efforts. He also oversaw the distribution of relief cheques among victims and said the federal government would stand with GB “until every family is resettled.”
“Whether it’s homes, bridges, or roads—we will not rest until full rehabilitation is achieved,” PM Shehbaz said at the ceremony, adding that he plans to return to the region by the end of August to personally review progress on relief and development activities.
The prime minister called for immediate commencement of infrastructure repairs and instructed the federal Ministry for Communications to mobilize resources without delay. He stressed that coordinated action between federal and regional authorities would be essential to ensure timely recovery.
Highlighting the growing risk of natural disasters, the prime minister urged the installation of an early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan to better prepare for future climate-related emergencies.
In addition to the relief measures, PM Shehbaz announced a 100-megawatt solar power project to meet the region’s energy needs, promising that the project would be completed within the current fiscal year. The final approval for the initiative will be sought from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), he added.
On the education front, the prime minister revealed that foundation stones for new Danish Schools would be laid in Gilgit and Skardu during his next visit, with the aim of providing greater access to quality education for the youth of the region.
The visit comes as multiple parts of Gilgit-Baltistan remain reeling from the aftermath of torrential rains and flooding that have damaged homes, roads, and public infrastructure over the past several weeks. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and authorities are continuing to assess the full scale of the destruction.
PM Shehbaz reiterated that the federal government views Gilgit-Baltistan as an integral part of Pakistan’s development agenda and assured citizens that the region will not be left behind.
“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have shown resilience in the face of tragedy. It is now our responsibility to match their courage with swift and meaningful action,” he said.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
