Islamabad: Multan, Sep 19 (APP): Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday promised full support to those affected by the recent floods, assuring that the administration will not abandon them in their time of need. Speaking to reporters after a briefing from the National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman at Jalalpur Pirwala Motorway Interchange, Gilani revealed the magnitude of the disaster, noting that 1.7 million individuals have been impacted, over 1,112 communities are underwater, and 45 lives have been lost.
He emphasized that providing tents, food supplies, and animal feed is the current focus. Following the initial relief efforts, the administration will shift its attention to rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction, with the goal of returning displaced individuals to their homes. Gilani referenced Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s earlier visit to Muzaffargarh and Multan, where he advocated for an agricultural emergency declaration and relief from electricity bills, confirming that the latter has already been implemented.
He also mentioned discussions with Rana Sanaullah three days prior regarding aid distribution to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and urged the administration to reassess and guarantee equitable allocation of resources to families in need. The acting president commended Zamurd Khan’s efforts in providing daily meals for 4,000–5,000 people and his commitment to supporting the education of flood orphans. He also acknowledged the contributions of those supplying mosquito nets and the Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital for providing medication to 84 medical camps. Gilani affirmed that the federal and provincial administrations, along with various agencies including the army, are actively assisting the affected communities. Highlighting the scarcity of anti-venom, he instructed officials to verify the available stock and check expiration dates.
Zamurd Khan added that Syeda Fatima (RA) Dastar Khawan is serving cooked meals to thousands and plans to broaden its reach. Sweet Homes is also actively working in the affected regions, and Khan promised full support for orphaned children. Chairman Kashmir Committee Qasim Noon, MNA Abdul Qadir Gillani, and other local officials were present at the briefing.