Peshawar
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday assured that every house destroyed by the recent floods will be reconstructed and that affected families will not be left helpless.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, he reiterated his government’s commitment to stand by the victims. He announced that residents of high-risk areas would be shifted to safer locations. The CM said Prime Minister and federal ministers had personally contacted him and offered support, expressing hope that the federal government would play its role.
He further revealed that KP would acquire modern technology to monitor cloudbursts and strengthen early warning systems. Touching on the longstanding issue of encroachments, Gandapur warned that no tolerance would be shown to violators, citing a “model operation” carried out in Dera Ismail Khan as an example that will be replicated province-wide.
The CM noted that Buner district was the hardest hit in the recent disaster, adding that provincial resources were sufficient to carry out rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Gandapur chaired a high-level meeting in Malakand Division to assess the flood situation. The session was attended by cabinet members Arshad Ayub Khan, Fazal Hakim Khan, Dr. Amjad Ali, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and senior officials.
To curb future destruction, he announced the creation of a committee led by the Deputy Commissioner to clearly demarcate the Swat River’s boundaries in consultation with elected representatives and revenue officials. On the proposed division of Swat into two districts, the CM said the matter would be finalized only after discussions with local stakeholders.
Officials briefed him on losses in Swat, particularly in Mingora, where floods wreaked severe damage. Relief and rehabilitation operations are in full swing, with additional machinery being deployed to accelerate debris removal. Surveys of damaged infrastructure and properties are also underway.
The CM instructed for swift completion of damage assessments and immediate release of compensation. He confirmed that Rs. 3 billion had already been disbursed to the Communication and Works Department and the Relief and Rehabilitation Department.
Gandapur emphasized that essential supplies including food and medicines must be ensured for all affected families. He pledged that the provincial government would fully compensate losses, stating: “Unlike previous governments, we will prove that every commitment made to flood victims will be honored.” – PUNA
