GILGIT, Aug 04 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed authorities to urgently complete and activate the long-delayed advanced weather warning system in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), stressing the need for preparedness against natural disasters in the region.
Addressing a compensation distribution ceremony for families affected by recent floods and rains in GB, the premier expressed concern over the absence of a robust weather alert mechanism, which could have mitigated the impact of the recent cloudbursts and flash floods that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
“This system should have been installed years ago. Unfortunately, for the last seven years, it remained only on paper. Even during the last one and a half years, no tangible progress was made,” the prime minister lamented, adding that this time, “no extension — not even by an hour — will be granted beyond the set deadline.”
The event was attended by federal ministers, Governor of GB, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial officials, and the families affected by the natural calamity.
During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz personally handed over compensation cheques to the bereaved families.
Expressing solidarity with the affected population, the prime minister said he was in Gilgit Baltistan along with members of his cabinet to offer condolences and assurance that full support would be extended for rehabilitation.
He also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to work closely with the GB administration for relief and reconstruction.
The prime minister referred to the 2022 compensation policy for natural calamity victims and directed NDMA to conduct a detailed mapping of damages and submit a comprehensive report. He added that he would visit the affected areas again in August to monitor progress.
In a major announcement, PM Shehbaz allocated Rs4 billion in federal funds to support GB’s disaster recovery and development initiatives.
He also revealed that the previously announced 100 MW solar power project for GB would become operational this year, promising much-needed electricity relief during the region’s harsh winter season.
In a move to enhance educational access in remote regions, the prime minister announced the federal government’s plan to establish Daanish schools in Gilgit Baltistan. “These schools will enroll students strictly on merit. This is not an expense but an investment in Pakistan’s future,” he emphasized.
Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan briefed the gathering on the scale of destruction and ongoing relief efforts.
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, commended the prime minister for his unwavering commitment to public welfare and development, noting that the GB budget had now reached Rs186 billion annually — a significant increase compared to previous governments.
