The government is preparing a flood relief package that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will likely announce by the end of October. The decision follows a high-level cabinet meeting on agriculture, climate change, and flood recovery. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the meeting and criticized the absence of key ministers and provincial representatives. He warned that the government had a very short window to support flood-hit farmers before the Rabi season begins.
During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal urged immediate coordination between federal and provincial departments to finalize recovery plans. He stressed that time was slipping away and recommended focusing on canola cultivation, which has higher international value than wheat. KP’s agriculture minister shared that his province was expanding olive and saffron farming, while Punjab reported that floods damaged crops across 2.5 million acres. The minister reminded officials that farmers need quick and practical help through the flood relief package.
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KP’s Finance Minister Muzammil Aslam demanded that the upcoming relief package be distributed fairly among all provinces. He said the funds should align with provincial NFC shares instead of favoring Punjab or Sindh. Ahsan Iqbal supported this stance, appreciating KP’s balanced approach. He also proposed offering interest-free loans and introducing insurance programs to protect farmers from future climate disasters. These measures, he said, would make recovery sustainable and fair.
The federal government has formed three task forces to plan short-, medium-, and long-term relief strategies. These groups will focus on providing immediate agricultural aid, building climate resilience, and strengthening rural infrastructure. The task forces will present their reports within 15 days, after which the prime minister will finalize the flood relief package. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the urgency of delivering seeds and aid quickly so that farmers can recover and prepare for the next season.
READ MORE:Floods damage 229,000 homes, kill 22,841 livestock
Meanwhile, the Punjab government announced tax exemptions and compensation for flood-affected families. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz confirmed that cheque distribution would begin from October 7. Families of deceased victims will receive Rs1 million, while those with damaged homes or crops will get financial aid. These initiatives, combined with the upcoming flood relief package, aim to restore livelihoods and bring much-needed support to affected farmers across Pakistan.