Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday visited the flood-hit Rawalakot in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to get firsthand account of the devastation caused by torrential rains and to review the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider accompanied Sharif during his visit. AJK Chief Secretary Khyzer Hayat Gondal briefed the premier about the damages caused by landslides and rains.
After attending a meeting where he was updated about the flood situation, Sharif said that he was concerned about the people who were affected by floods and it was the responsibility of the State to take care of them. He said every nook and corner of the country was important for him and the government would reach out to all the victims.
The premier said that besides AJK, Punjab had also suffered loss of lives and property due to floods. He said the nation should not lose heart during such challenges.
Promising sufficient provision of electricity to AJK, the prime minister proposed working out a 20-year development roadmap for AJK in all areas, including communications and agriculture.
Moreover, he said the project of Pindi-Muzaffarabad railway track would be completed in two years. He also expressed desire for construction of the Murree-Muzaffarabad Expressway on priority. He said there was a huge potential of development in Azad Kashmir and vowed to make this area a big tourist attraction.
Later, Sharif distributed cheques among the affected people and expressed solidarity with them.
The devastation brought by the floods is simply indescribable. It brings much grief to read that many homes and lives have been destroyed in these floods. According to various sources, several thousand homes have collapsed and at least 200 people have died in Pakistan. The pictures clearly depict the pain and suffering of all those who have been affected by the floods. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been impacted by the floods. We sincerely hope that they will find the strength to deal with this tragedy.
Ali Khan
Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
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