Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the government was standing alongside flood victims in their time of need, and providing them much needed relief without discrimination.

The prime minister, who arrived in Dera Ismail Khan earlier today to review the flood situation, was briefed on the restoration of traffic at the Siggu Bridge. The bridge is located on the national highway from Dera Ismail Khan to Kuchlak.

Addressing the ceremony after inspection, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that he made multiple visits to flood-affected areas. “The situation in Sindh is very bad, even today it seems that there is water everywhere,” he remarked.

Epidemic

The premier underscored the importance of remedial measures as parts of Pakistan, particularly Sindh and Balochistan, deal with viral outbreaks and epidemics, including gastroentritis issues.

Over 600,000 women are pregnant and need immediate assistance, he said. “The government is ready to help everyone in every possible manner.”

PM Shehbaz observed that encroachments along the paths of rivers and on riverine beds was tantamount to challenging nature. “If you do that, then there will be damage,” he said in reference to the hotels and restaurants built along the river in Swat that were washed away during the floods.

Cash handouts

The premier assured flood affectees of economic assistance, saying that funds earmarked for victims were being distributed under the Benazir Income Support Programme.

“So far, we have distributed Rs20 billion to the flood victims. The fund for the flood victims has been increased from Rs28 billion to Rs70 billion,” he continued. Rs1 million each would be provided to the families of those killed in the flooding.

He said that the government was aware of the housing situation in areas that were flooded. He added that tents had been distribtued among the victims. “A project of 100 houses has been launched in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I will inaugurate the project after two weeks.”