PM Unveils Joint Water Strategy
The federal government is also developing all provinces’ water reservoirs and water management strategy as announced by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The ruling is devastating as calamitous floods persistently devastate the nation. The PM stressed that the problem of climate change was a national matter that demanded collective readiness and joint action to mitigate the losses from natural disasters.
Collaboration with Provinces and Regions
The PM emphasized the need to unite all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the federal government, to protect people against the disasters caused by climate change. Already, relevant organizations are working on his instructions, and a working paper on a national water management policy is being prepared for distribution to provincial governments, so that they too can develop a common action plan. When stability in the emergency situation has been achieved, a high-level meeting will be held with the chief ministers, the AJK prime minister, and the GB chief minister.
Support for Flood Victims
The Prime Minister was grateful to the workers at the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) who donated one day’s salaries of up to Rs. 20 million to help the flood victims. He emphasized that such gestures are symbolic of unity and togetherness, especially when thousands of citizens are in dire need of relief and rehabilitation.
Iran Offers Assistance
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian made a call to PM Shehbaz by phone in solidarity to condole and offer help to flood victims. He vowed to support Pakistan with the promise of Iranian support, labeling the calamity a common problem. PM Shehbaz appreciated the gesture by President Pezeshkian and termed it a reaffirmation of the strong fraternal relations between the two countries. The two leaders also reiterated their resolve to build strong bilateral ties and look forward to the opportunity to meet during the next SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
COAS Visits Flood-Hit Areas
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also paid a visit to flood-stricken areas in Punjab, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur, to monitor the current rescue and relief operations. In his visit, he met with the Sikh community and assured them that all the damaged religious sites, such as Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, would be rebuilt on priority. He pointed at the obligation of the state to defend minorities and protect their heritage.
The COAS was received well by the Sikh community, and they were grateful for the services of the army and civil administration. An aerial survey of Kartarpur was also carried out by General Munir, and he admired the proactive action of local authorities to minimise casualties and losses.
Conclusion
The collaborative water plan announced by PM Shehbaz is a sign of the acute necessity of Pakistan in climate resilience and the successful management of disasters. Through the international assistance of Iran and the efforts of the Pakistan Army and civil institutions on the ground, the government aims to transform the current crisis into an opportunity to develop sustainable solutions for the future.
