In response to the urgent concerns raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive action by approving an allocation of Rs25 billion in aid for the victims affected by the recent floods. This significant step comes after a meeting with PPP leaders, during which the premier pledged to set aside this substantial amount to provide relief and support to those in need.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement highlighting the appreciation expressed by PPP leadership, including prominent figures such as Syed Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Syed Khurshid Shah, Qamar uz Zaman Kaira, Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Nisar Khuro. They commended the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to public welfare, acknowledging the challenging economic conditions the country is facing.
However, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced his dissatisfaction with the coalition partners and demanded the allocation of funds specifically for flood victims. He emphasized that his party would not support the upcoming government’s budget unless the promised amount was provided. Bilawal, who also serves as the Foreign Minister in Shehbaz’s cabinet, expressed his concerns during a rally in Swat, highlighting the unfulfilled promises within the budget.
The devastating floods that occurred from June to October 2022 in Pakistan resulted in the tragic loss of 1,739 lives and caused immense damage and economic losses of ₨3.2 trillion and ₨3.3 trillion, respectively. The floods were a consequence of unusually heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers, which were exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
The province of Sindh, crucial to Pakistan’s economy, bore the brunt of the 2022 floods, experiencing significant destruction to homes, transportation, agriculture, irrigation, and communication infrastructure. The aftermath of the disaster has left millions of people in dire need of assistance.
The allocated funds, expected to be included in the debt-driven budget, will now be utilized to rehabilitate the flood victims, as reported by local media sources.