Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to supporting flood-affected families and expediting the rehabilitation process, particularly in the hardest-hit districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the prime minister voiced grave concern over the recent heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods that have caused widespread destruction across the province, especially in Swat, Swabi, Mansehra, and Shangla.

He emphasised that federal ministers, secretaries, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the armed forces were fully engaged in ongoing relief operations across the affected areas.

He also noted that the Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had accompanied him during his recent visit to Buner and other flood-hit regions in KP.

Recalling the devastation of the 2022 floods, which claimed nearly 100 lives and caused massive property losses, PM Shehbaz said the toll from the recent disaster was even more alarming.

Although the geographical impact was limited, the human loss was staggering, with more than 700 people killed nationwide, including over 400 fatalities in KP alone.

The prime minister also drew attention to weather-related calamities in Karachi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, expressing solidarity with the affected populations.

Stressing the need to curb unsafe development practices, he said illegal constructions along waterways must be stopped.

“I will call a meeting soon to discuss the matter,” he added.

PM Shehbaz further pointed out that rampant tree-cutting in Galyat and other areas was worsening the situation.

On foreign policy, the premier said the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the growing strength of Pakistan-China strategic relations.

He announced that he would soon travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where he is expected to hold talks with the Chinese leadership.

The cabinet members also offered Fateha for those who lost their lives in the recent floods and rains.