Daggar: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that a nationwide ban would be imposed on construction in vulnerable riverine and mountainous zones to prevent future flood-related devastation. He said all federal resources, in coordination with provincial governments, would be mobilised to support affected communities and enforce preventive measures.
The prime minister made these remarks during his visit to the flood-hit districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla and Swabi, where several people have lost their lives. He was accompanied by federal ministers and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Shehbaz attributed the scale of destruction to environmental degradation, illegal encroachments, deforestation and unregulated mining.” He stressed that cloudbursts and flash floods had wiped out entire communities and highlighted that Pakistan remains among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change.
The prime minister said he would convene a meeting of all four provincial chief ministers and chief secretaries to launch a coordinated national initiative against construction in disaster-prone zones. He also ordered firm action against the timber mafia, land grabbers and illegal mining operators, adding that no one should be above the law.
During the visit, Shehbaz directed that electricity in Buner and Swat be restored within a week, regardless of bill payments, noting that most damaged feeders had already been repaired. He said road and bridge restoration works were underway on an emergency basis, with instructions to proceed without jurisdictional delays.
During their visit, the PM and COAS received a detailed briefing on rescue and rehabilitation operations. The COAS also interacted with troops, police and civil administration personnel on the ground, commending their commitment to assisting flood-stricken families. He directed formations to continue relief work with utmost dedication and ensure the safety and welfare of affected citizens.
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