Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a relief package worth Rs4 billion for the rehabilitation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s infrastructure after a devastating cloudburst in Babusar Top, which caused widespread loss of life and property.

During his visit to the region, the Prime Minister distributed compensation cheques among flood victims and committed to long-term development and climate resilience in GB.

According to officials, dozens of locals and tourists were affected in Thak-Babusar, Thor, Kunddas, and Ishkoman due to intense rainfall triggered by the cloudburst on 21 July. Rescue operations led by the NDMA, local administration, Pakistan Army, and other agencies successfully evacuated more than 600 individuals, with five tent cities established and aid airlifts carried out using 10 helicopters and 2 C-130 aircraft.

Cash compensation and infrastructure pledge

At a cheque distribution ceremony, PM Shehbaz said: “This financial aid cannot fully compensate for the pain suffered by the victims, but as a government, we stand by our people.”

He said victims with serious injuries would receive Rs500,000, while those with minor injuries would be given Rs200,000.

He recalled that in the 2022 floods, those who lost their homes were similarly supported with Rs500,000 and Rs200,000 based on the extent of damage.

He assured that a comprehensive damage assessment will be conducted in the affected areas, and he plans to revisit Gilgit-Baltistan by the end of August to finalise the next steps.

He also confirmed that the 100MW solar energy project will be completed this year and announced that Daanish Schools will be established in Skardu and other parts of GB to improve education access.

High-level review meeting chaired by PM

Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level review meeting in Gilgit where detailed briefings were given on flood damages, relief efforts, and rehabilitation plans.

Federal ministers including Engineer Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Mian Moeen Wattoo, Dr Musadik Malik, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah, and coordinator Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, as well as Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, were in attendance.

NDMA Chairman Inam Haider Malik also joined the deliberations.

The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan is among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries despite contributing little to global emissions.

“The recent monsoon disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country are heartbreaking. Climate change is a cruel reality for Pakistan.”

He directed all federal institutions to maintain close coordination with the GB government and ensure swift assistance to the affected population. He also announced the creation of an early warning and monitoring center in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is to be completed within two months in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change.

GLOF system installation and monitoring

The Prime Minister was informed that the Ministry of Climate Change is rapidly progressing on the installation of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) early warning system, which is expected to be completed within two months. He ordered a third-party validation of the system once deployed.

PM meets Chief Minister Gulbar Khan

Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a one-on-one meeting with GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, who briefed him on the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The CM emphasised the need for urgent infrastructure development to support local livelihoods and boost tourism, a key economic sector for the region.

“The Prime Minister understands the challenges faced by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan,” CM Gulbar said.

On arrival in Gilgit, PM Shehbaz was received by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and CM Gulbar Khan.

Search operations at Babusar Top called off

Meanwhile, search operations at Babusar Top, where several people were swept away in flash floods, have been called off after 14 days. According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, all vehicles have been recovered from the debris, but no trace of the missing persons was found. Their funeral prayers in absentia were offered following the end of the search.

Heavy rain forecast and flood alerts

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this week, along with alerts for glacial lake outbursts, landslides, and flash floods. Authorities have been put on high alert, and district administrations have been advised to prepare for possible emergencies.