Surveys Underway to Estimate Flood Losses, National Assembly Informed

Islamabad: Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo has announced that surveys are currently being conducted to estimate the damage inflicted by recent floods on crops and homes. Addressing the National Assembly on a motion concerning the flood situation, he assured members that affected individuals would receive compensation.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister emphasized the government’s awareness of the situation. He noted that the prime minister is actively directing efforts to ensure timely relief for those impacted by the floods. Wattoo also mentioned plans to improve disaster management in the future, including consultations on accelerating work on existing dams and planning new water reservoirs to enhance water storage capacity. The minister assured that recommendations from the assembly would be taken into account in future planning.

In the discussion, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam spoke about the devastation in Gilgit-Baltistan. He reported that compensation has been provided directly to affected families and stated that the Prime Minister has mobilized the National Highway Authority (NHA) to restore road infrastructure. The federal government is reportedly offering full support for rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s flood-hit areas.

Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi remarked on the strength of Pakistan’s economy and defense, attributing positive foreign policy direction to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. He also noted the Prime Minister’s warm reception in China.

Other members of the assembly expressed their concerns and suggestions. Muhammad Aslam Ghumman expressed sorrow over the flood-induced casualties and damage. Saira Afzal Tarar called for prompt actions to reduce flood impacts. Samina Khalid Ghurki praised the armed forces for their role in flood response. Shahida Begum highlighted climate change’s severe effects on Pakistan and criticized the lack of precautionary measures and river encroachments.

Aasia Ishaque suggested pre-monsoon evacuation drills, while Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar demanded action against the timber mafia for deforestation. Noor Alam Khan accused India of water aggression, warning of further releases. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig proposed a ban on construction within two hundred meters of riverbeds. Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan emphasized the need for full compensation for flood victims.

Other participants in the session included Muhammad Usman Badini, Sadiq Ali Memon, Shaista Pervaiz, and Fateh Ullah Khan. The assembly session was adjourned to reconvene on Friday at eleven am.