Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched a Rs 37 billion relief program to provide Rs 25,000 cash assistance each among 1.5 million families in areas hit by recent flash floods.
In the first phase, the distribution started on Friday among flood affectees of Balochistan including Jhal Magsi, Khuzdar, Qilla Abdullah which remained worst hit by rains and floods.
Addressing a ceremony organized in Islamabad in this connection, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said all relevant institutions along with international partners are working day in and day out to provide relief to the flood affected people.
He said started in Balochistan on Friday, a total of 37 billion rupees will be distributed through Benazir Income Support Program among flood affectees across the country.
The Prime Minister said following this immediate cash assistance, damage assessment in flood hit areas will be made with the help of provincial governments and international partners.
He said this is a chance for us all to move beyond politics and help our brothers and sisters in need.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal who is also heading the Flood Relief Coordination Committee, said through initial relief operation we provided immediate medical aid, food and basic necessities to the people and now this cash assistance.
He said in the next phase, we are conducting an assessment survey of the damages in collaboration with NDMA and provincial governments through which rehabilitation and reconstruction will be carried out in the flood affected areas.
The Minister said this will be followed by a thorough review of existing infrastructure in the country and re-engineering and overhauling of the same with the help of our international partners including the United Nations, Asian Development Bank and World Bank which are providing us expert services in this regard.
