Govt Approves Rs. 5.8 Billion Assistance for Flood Victims

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of Pakistan’s Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to a Rs. 5.8 billion relief package aimed at aiding those affected by the recent monsoon floods. Per directives, the Finance Division has been told to immediately disburse Rs. 4 billion to address urgent needs for shelter, food, and medical aid

• Total Relief Approved: Rs. 5.8 billion

• Advance Funds Released: Rs. 4 billion allocated for immediate use

• Purpose: Aid flood-affected families with shelter, food, medical relief, and rehabilitation

• Responsible Bodies: NDMA, PDMAs, provincial governments

• Geographic Focus: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh — especially rural and isolated regions

• Broader Context: Over 700 lives lost countrywide since late June due to monsoon floods

• Fatalities: Over 707 lives lost across the country, including more than 356 in KP alone 

• Evacuations & Damage: More than 25,000 individuals evacuated, power grids and road networks disrupted, especially in northern regions

• Restoration Efforts: Around 70% of electricity service has been restored, and major roads have been cleared.

During the ECC meeting, multiple economic and relief priorities were outlined:

• In-principle go-ahead for the flood relief package

• Immediate release of Rs. 4 billion by the Finance Division

• Added approval for fuel cost adjustments, adoption of new energy vehicle policies, and budget allocations for small farmers under federal schemes

This highlights a broader push for balanced economic and welfare policymaking.

At a joint briefing, NDMA and ISPR officials outlined the on-ground relief operations:

• Humanitarian Mobilization: 8 infantry battalions and 8 FC units deployed in KP and GB

• People Rescued: Over 6,900 individuals, including children and adults

• Medical Aid Delivered: 6,300+ people treated in mobile and field clinics

• Logistics Bases Established: In Kanju and Daggar, serving as supply hubs for tents, food, and medications

• Aid Delivered by Air: Helicopters airlifted supplies to remote, inaccessible communities

• Infrastructure Revived: Power restored up to 70% in critical districts; N-90 highway reopened

• Timeliness: Immediate allocation of funds minimizes bureaucratic delays

• Scale: Rs. 5.8 billion addresses multiple critical fronts—shelter, health, livelihoods

• Multi-agency Coordination: NDMA, military, PDMAs, and civil authorities working in harmony

• Boosts Recovery: Repairing vital transport and power networks helps restore normalcy

• Climate Resilience: Signals institutional readiness to respond to recurring monsoon disasters

The Rs. 5.8 billion flood relief package reflects the government's commitment to helping the flood-impacted population recover swiftly. By releasing Rs. 4 billion promptly and coordinating with NDMA, the Army, and provinces, the administration aims to ease suffering and kick-start rehabilitation across affected regions.