Lahore – The Punjab government has declined to use the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for distributing aid to flood victims.
At a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that only registered BISP beneficiaries could receive help. She questioned how aid could be provided to those not listed in the programme.
Instead, the provincial government plans to use its own resources. Azma criticized the Sindh government, claiming that despite foreign aid, many flood-affected people there remain unrecovered. She said Punjab would not wait for external help and had already begun relief work.
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Azma Bukhari also mentioned that over 4.7 million people have been affected in Punjab. She stated that 2.6 million people were safely relocated. She added that the initial survey is complete, and the Chief Minister has announced a relief package.
Under this package, farmers will receive Rs20,000 per acre in damaged areas. Those who lost permanent houses will get Rs1 million, while those with damaged mud houses will receive Rs500,000. Additionally, livestock losses will be compensated with Rs500,000 per animal.
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In response to criticism from political rivals, Azma said she values Bilawal Bhutto’s praise for Punjab’s efforts. She dismissed opposition comments as “flood politics” and said the focus should remain on helping the affected.