Daily Times

SKARDU – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took an aerial view of the flood-hit areas in his travel to Uching from Skardu by helicopter, as Northern Areas Force Commander Major General Asim received him at Uching – the headquarters of brigade 323.

The prime minister was briefed by the civil and military authorities about the extent of losses caused to the human life and property. He was informed that due to timely relief measures, the loss of human life was contained, but the flash floods caused by snow melting and changing rain pattern inflicted substantial losses to the property and infrastructure.

The prime minister appreciated the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army, Gilgit-Baltistan government and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in providing relief to the affected people and starting restoration and rehabilitation operation immediately.The prime minister addressed a gathering of the flood-hit people and announced Rs 500 million for the restoration of infrastructure on urgent basis and early rehabilitation of communication links.

In addition to this, the NDMA would be provided Rs 150 million to strengthen the institutional response to natural calamities. Nawaz Sharif said that the federal government would provide all resources for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan so that it could make its economic base strong and sustainable. He said that the demand of people for extension of Gilgit-Skardu road up to Ghanche was accepted.

The prime minister announced compensation of five lacs for those who lost their lives and 1.5 lacs for the injured and 2.5 lacs for completely damaged house to solace the grieved people. He directed the authorities concerned to compensate cattle and tree losses according to local tradition. He also directed to expedite damage assessment process so that the provision of relief was not delayed.

Prime Minister Sharif said that this region would also benefit from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as this region had the pivotal position in the economic corridor. He said that this area had great potential and together with the people, the new PML-N government of the region would change the fortune of region. He appreciated the performance of the government and directed the authorities concerned to maintain contact with the people and work for the development and economic well-being of the region.