Muqam meets flood victims in Bajaur, Swat

KHAR/ MINGORA: Pakistan Muslim League Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Amir Muqam on Tuesday met the flood affectees in Bajaur announced financial compensation of Rs2 million for the heirs of each deceased person.

The minister paid a one-day visit to Bajaur where he met families affected by recent floods and shared their grief. He offered condolences to the heirs of those who lost their lives and spent time with the affected families.

On behalf of the federal government, Amir Muqam announced financial compensation of Rs. 2 million for the heirs of each deceased person. He also assured that a relief package for the injured and for those who lost their homes would soon be announced.

Highlighting the resilience of Bajaur’s people, the minister said, “These people were displaced in 2008, and today once again they are facing natural disasters, yet their courage has not broken. The role of the Salarzai tribe in restoring peace deserves recognition not only from the state but from the entire nation.”

He said that the government would not abandon the victims and would continue to stand by them. Amir Muqam also announced the dispatch of special vehicles for rescue and cleanup operations in flood-hit areas, as well as the establishment of a new NADRA centre to facilitate those affected by ongoing operations against militants.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Merged Districts, Mubarak Zeb Khan, former MNA Shahabuddin and a large number of elders from the Salarzai tribe were present at the event and welcomed the government’s announcements.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Swat, Amir Muqam expressed gratitude to the security institutions for extending their assistance during the disaster response. “In such testing times, our armed forces and security agencies have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the people, and their role in relief operations is commendable,” he remarked.

The minister further said that on the direct instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he had personally brought relief goods to Swat to ensure that essential supplies, including food, tents, and medicines, reached the flood-affected families without delay.

Residents of several union councils in Swat and neighboring districts have reported losing homes, livestock, and crops to the raging waters. Civil society organizations have also appealed for urgent support, particularly in terms of medical

aid and long-term rehabilitation.

Amir Muqam assured that the government was committed not only to immediate relief but also to long-term reconstruction of the flood-ravaged areas. “We will rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and restore livelihoods. No affected family will be left alone,” he pledged.

The floods, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, have once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for stronger disaster management strategies.