Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that no illegal constructions or encroachments be allowed along river banks to mitigate the losses during natural calamities.
He was addressing a ceremony to distribute cheques among flood affected people in Buner on Wednesday, during his visit to flood-affected districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla, and Swabi.
The Prime Minister said a meeting of provincial chief ministers will be called soon to devise a comprehensive policy regarding illegal encroachments along the river banks and streams.
He said the human and material loss increases during calamities like cloudbursts due to illegal construction at vulnerable places.
The Prime Minister assured the flood affectees of the Federal Government and Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to extend maximum support in this critical hour.
Appreciating the tireless dedication of the Armed Forces and civil administration, the Prime Minister reaffirmed solidarity with the flood-affected population and assured them of all possible assistance.
The Prime Minister distributed cheques among the flood affectees.
During the visit, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also accompanied the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister took an aerial view of the flood situation and damages in the affected areas of Buner and Shangla.
The Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff received a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Chief of Army Staff interacted with troops, police and civil administration personnel involved in rescue efforts and lauded their selfless commitment in assisting victims of floods and torrential rains.
He directed ground formations to approach this responsibility with utmost devotion and to spare no effort in alleviating the hardships of flood-stricken families.
Earlier, fateha was offered for those who lost their lives in this catastrophe.
