Flood-hit GB to get Rs4bn, 100MW solar project: PM

GILGIT: As the dust settled after days of devastating flash floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the region on Monday with a recovery plan—announcing a Rs4 billion infrastructure restoration package, a 100-megawatt solar energy project, and Danish Schools for underprivileged children.

The prime minister made these announcements during a cheque distribution ceremony held in Gilgit for families affected by the recent flooding. Each family of the deceased was given Rs1 million, while those who sustained serious injuries received Rs500,000. Victims with minor injuries were compensated with Rs200,000, and households that lost their homes were granted Rs500,000 for reconstruction.

“We must act before disaster strikes. If we continue delaying critical preparations, no rescue effort will ever be enough,” Shehbaz warned, referring to a long-delayed early warning system that, he said, has existed on paper for the past seven years without implementation.

Pakistan, he noted, remains among the top ten most climate-vulnerable nations globally, despite its negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. He vowed continued engagement with the region until every affected family is rehabilitated, urging the Gilgit-Baltistan government to play an active role in relief and reconstruction. The premier compared the current relief measures with the response to the 2022 floods, stating that financial support had “significantly increased” this time. He added that the Ministry of Communications is working on emergency road repairs to reconnect cut-off areas.

Addressing the region’s chronic power shortages, especially during the long winters, Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government will fund and oversee a 100-megawatt solar power project, expected to be completed within a year. He also announced the establishment of a Danish School aimed at providing high-quality, merit-based education to children from low-income families in the mountainous region. “Education is not an expense—it’s a strategic investment in our collective future,” he said.

To address the longer-term development and governance challenges of the region, a special federal committee has been formed, comprising Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam and Advisor Rana Sanaullah. The committee will work in coordination with the region’s governor and chief minister.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister chaired a high-level briefing on the extent of damage caused by the recent floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall. Governor Syed Mehdi Shah received the prime minister and briefed him on the destruction of homes, roads, and agricultural land due to severe weather events. Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and livelihoods, Shehbaz reiterated that climate change is an escalating threat to Pakistan. He directed the Ministry of Climate Change to implement urgent mitigation and adaptation strategies, particularly for high-risk regions like Gilgit-Baltistan.

The prime minister also met with Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Gulbar Khan and discussed key local issues, including the aftermath of recent rains and floods. The chief minister briefed the prime minister on the government’s rescue and relief operations and praised him for the decision to establish Danish Schools in Gilgit-Baltistan. They also discussed the overall law and order situation and the progress of development projects in the region.

Officials from the federal and regional governments, including NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, and Minister Attaullah Tarar, attended the event. The prime minister also received updates on ongoing development projects and the emergency response from local authorities. Both Shehbaz Sharif and regional leaders offered prayers for those who perished in the floods and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to standing with Gilgit-Baltistan during its recovery.

In another development, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Prime Minister’s House to condole with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the death of his cousin Shahid Shafi. The president prayed for eternal peace of the deceased and patience for his family. He also telephoned Javed Shafi, the elder brother of Shahid Shafi, and conveyed his condolences.