ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched a Rs 37 billion aid program to provide Rs 25,000. cash assistance to each of the 1.5 million families across the flood-hit areas of country. prime minister, speaking at the launch ceremony, said cash payment will be made through the Benazir Income Support Program in cooperation with National Disaster Management and other related agencies.
He said the heavy monsoon rains and subsequent flooding affected all four provinces. with Balochistan suffered the most, where hundreds of in people the infrastructure is gone destroyed.
He also paid tribute to six tortured army officers, including Quetta’s corps commander, Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali who sacrificed their lives in chopper crash during flood rehabilitation operation.
Mentioning his repeated visits to flood-hit areas, prime minister commended the rescue and relief efforts of all including NDMA, PDMA, National Highway Administration and provincial departments.
“The whole nation must unite to face this situation. The federal and provincial governments are also cooperation with one another. Our international partners and donors also expanding them support,” he added.
prime minister told the audience that cash assistance program launched in Jal Magsi area of Balochistan, will support over 9 million rupees people across the country.
As the chairman of the NDMA assured, prime minister said cash payment will be completed within three days before help in people afford food and other urgent needs.
He said in in next phase will conduct a joint survey out assess the damage to crops, houses, highways and bridges that follow coordination with provinces for transportation out rehabilitation work.
prime minister also thanked Minister of Finance Miftah Ismail for scrape off 37 billion rupees from national Kitty support in flood-hit people in that worrying time.
The program was originally launched in four districts of Balochistan including Jal Magsi, Kuzdar, Killa Abdullah and Lasbella. By video link beneficiaries in Jal Magsi area we also shown receiving cash help.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who also heads the flood relief committee, informed the audience that currently one of five countries facing worst impact of climate change Pakistan needs not only support this is people but also redesign your infrastructure to avoid losses in future.
He said in in first phasecommittee identified areas of the worst hit floods to ensure cash help. in second phase, a joint survey will be conducted to assess damage to houses and crops. for their rehabilitation.
In the third phase he said government will look for help from international development partners for redesign infrastructure to prevent flood-caused damage in in future.
Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Security Shazia Murray briefed the audience via video link of in death flood victims.
She said the country has experienced unprecedented torrential rains that have not yet ended. on in some areas worsen flood situation.
She assured that BISP ensure transparent cash payment based on on in available data.
NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Akhtar Nawaz said the country received a total of 150% more rains in Pakistan and 318% more in Balochistan.
Federal ministers including Miftah Ismail, Ahsan Iqbal, Marrium Aurangzeb, Qamar Zaman Kaira and senior government the ceremony was attended by officers.
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