Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the acceleration of rescue and relief operations in areas affected by recent flooding.
According to details surfaced on Sunday, he stressed the importance of timely and effective assistance for those displaced by the disaster, calling for improved coordination to ensure swift support reaches all affected communities.
The prime minister said: "Pakistan continues to suffer from the harmful effects of environmental changes, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions."
He said that work is under way to develop an effective strategy in collaboration with the provinces to reduce the impact of climate change. He added that comprehensive planning is being undertaken for at-risk areas, along with steps to strengthen the system of early warnings and to develop a more robust and sustainable infrastructure.
PM Shehbaz also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in a boat accident in Jalalpur Pirwala. He prayed for the elevation of the deceased and for patience for the bereaved families.
Earlier on Friday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for exemption of electricity bills for farmers in disaster-hit districts.
According to details, following a visit to flood-affected residents in Kasur, Bhutto-Zardari contacted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by telephone to convey the concerns and difficulties faced by farmers in the region.
Bhutto-Zardari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide relief to farmers in Punjab by working in coordination with the provincial government.
Sources said Bhutto-Zardari told the prime minister that the recent floods had caused serious damage to the agricultural sector in Punjab. He said the federal government must play its part in supporting farmers across the province.
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He also pointed out that repayment of agricultural loans had become a major issue and requested either a waiver or a deferral.
He urged that affected farmers be provided cash support through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
The premier has assured Bhutto-Zardari that the federal government would take all necessary steps to support farmers in the affected areas of Punjab.
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