Shehbaz takes notice of flood-like situation in Capital areas

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday took a serious notice of the flood-like situation in various low-lying residential areas of the federal capital, following recent heavy rainfall.

He constituted a special committee to oversee rescue operations, assess the evolving situation, and ensure safety and relief of affected citizens, a statement issued by the PM media office said.

Shehbaz directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and district administration to immediately launch rescue operation and ensure swift drainage of rainwater from the affected neighbourhoods near stormwater drains. He also asked relevant authorities to implement precautionary measures to protect people living in vulnerable areas surrounding streams and nullahs.

Various streets in New Chatta Bakhatawar area near Park Road were inundated with rainwater following flash-flood in Gumrah Kas nullah due to heavy rains. As a result, rainwater entered many houses located there, damaging household items. Residents had to be rescued and taken out of flood-affected area. However, there has been no word from the Islamabad Capital Territory administration on the flood-like situation in the federal capital.

Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif formally acknowledged the significant contributions of Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the PM on Privatisation, for his active role in the Task Force on Power. He was instrumental in identifying Rs100 billion in excess payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and successfully negotiating with over 35 IPPs, leading to the termination of six contracts and resulting in savings of Rs3,600 billion.

In a letter of appreciation dated August 6, 2025, the PM praised Muhammad Ali’s efforts, noting that his strategic interventions and tough negotiations had helped secure a more sustainable and affordable energy future for Pakistan. The letter also highlighted Muhammad Ali’s role in recovering Rs35 billion in excess profits and cutting annualised costs by nearly Rs200 billion — measures that have contributed to restoring fiscal discipline and strengthening the long-term viability of the power sector.

APP adds: PM Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday directed authorities to ensure global standards in the construction of the Jinnah Medical Complex (JMC), envisioned as a world-class healthcare facility catering to patients from across Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Chairing a review meeting on the project’s progress, the prime minister stressed transparency, merit-based recruitment, and third-party validation for construction quality. He called for outsourcing all ancillary services, including janitorial work, strictly on merit.

PM Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep satisfaction over the performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged past the historic 145,000-point milestone. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif said the bullish trend in the stock market is a strong reflection of investor confidence in the government’s economic policies. “The recent upward momentum in the stock exchange indicates growing trust in the government’s direction and commitment to economic stability,” said the PM.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, expressed condolences on the passing of renowned civil servant GM Sikandar.