M Shehbaz Visits KP Flood-Hit Areas as Death Toll Rises

Pakistan's Leadership Rallies to Aid Flood-Stricken Regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In a powerful display of national solidarity, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by senior federal ministers and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, visited the flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, and Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The high-level visit comes as record-breaking monsoon rains since August 15 have unleashed a wave of destruction across the province, leaving a trail of death, displacement, and damaged infrastructure.

The scale of the disaster is staggering, with the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority reporting a tragic toll of 385 lives lost in rain-related incidents, a majority of which—228—occurred in Buner. The visit underscored a unified commitment from the government and the armed forces to provide maximum support to the affected population during this critical hour.

Tragedy in Swabi: The Dalori Cloudburst

The gravity of the situation was further highlighted by the grim recovery operation in the Swabi district. Rescue officials successfully recovered 14 more bodies from under debris in Dalori, a remote village devastated by a cloudburst. This brings the total number of recovered bodies in the region to 37, with the search operation, tirelessly conducted by Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, and local volunteers, now concluded. The calamity in Dalori serves as a somber reminder of the immense human cost of these natural disasters.

A Firm Stance on Illegal Encroachments

During his interaction with flood victims and officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not shy away from addressing a major contributing factor to the disaster: illegal encroachments on waterways. He condemned the rampant construction of hotels and houses within riverbeds and on nullah banks, a practice he described as a severe violation of law that has amplified the devastation. The Prime Minister stressed the need for Pakistan to become a "hard state" where the law is applied without distinction, and strict action is taken against those who endanger lives and property through such illegal activities.

COAS Asim Munir also offered strong words of encouragement to the troops and civil administration, commending their selfless dedication to rescue and relief efforts. He directed ground forces to prioritize the safety and well-being of flood-stricken families, ensuring no effort is spared in providing them with essential assistance.

Unified Response and International Support

The visit by the nation’s top leadership signals a coordinated and robust response to the crisis. This includes a recent directive from the Prime Minister for an uninterrupted week-long electricity supply to the flood-hit areas of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan to aid recovery efforts. The response has also been met with gratitude from political leaders, with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar expressing thanks to all institutions and individuals who have provided aid.

Meanwhile, the global community is also extending its support. In a poignant message, the United Kingdom’s King Charles III expressed his deep sadness and solidarity with the people of Pakistan. His statement, which acknowledged the enduring bonds between the two nations, commended the tireless commitment of emergency services and volunteers working against overwhelming odds to provide relief.

As Pakistan navigates this challenging period, the concerted efforts of its leadership, military, and civil administration, combined with international solidarity, are crucial in helping the affected communities rebuild their lives and homes.