Islamabad: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, during visits to the Guddu and Sukkur Barrages to assess flood conditions, pressed the federal government for swift financial aid to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and called for international assistance. He affirmed Sindh’s readiness for the anticipated flood surge.
Bhutto Zardari, speaking to the press, stated that the Sindh provincial administration had finalized preparations for potential floods, commending Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, focal persons, and the provincial workforce for their diligent efforts.
He highlighted the widespread damage from recent rains and floods across the nation, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. He expressed particular concern for the situation in Punjab, singling out Multan, Kasur, and Jalalpur Pirwala as severely affected areas. He advised residents of riverine and low-lying regions to cooperate with authorities and relocate to safety.
The PPP chairman criticized the delay in aid to flood victims in Punjab over the past two weeks and called upon Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to ensure immediate financial assistance to affected districts nationwide via BISP, emphasizing it as the quickest relief channel. He pledged to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister.
Bhutto Zardari also expressed apprehension about the extensive agricultural losses due to the floods, urging for support to farmers to avert future food security issues and bolster the economy. He recommended declaring a national agricultural emergency.
Responding to a question, he reiterated PPP’s backing for non-controversial dam projects, specifying those that are politically and technically sound. He cautioned against pursuing contentious dam proposals, claiming it weakens Pakistan’s position internationally regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, particularly in light of India’s actions.
He emphasized the need for climate-resilient infrastructure development and policy review by all levels of government. He renewed his appeal to the federal government to seek international assistance for flood relief efforts.
Bhutto Zardari noted the movement of floodwaters from Punjab towards Sindh, identifying 45 vulnerable points along the Indus. He expressed confidence in Sindh’s capacity to manage the situation and highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce the Sukkur Barrage. He stressed that constructing a new barrage requires collaborative efforts, exceeding the resources of a single province.
The chairman was accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, and assembly members during his visit to the barrages, where he received briefings from the Irrigation Department.