LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/SUKKUR: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday said the recent floods have inflicted an estimated Rs500 billion in losses, severely impacting Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. He emphasized that the government would pursue self-reliance rather than foreign aid to overcome the crisis.
Speaking with experts, the minister noted that provincial agricultural officials have been called for consultations on rehabilitation. “The world did not fulfill its promises in 2022. This time, self-reliance is our priority,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a complete waiver of August electricity bills for all domestic consumers in flood-affected areas, assuring refunds to those who had already paid. He added that bills for agricultural, commercial, and industrial consumers had been deferred until loss assessments are finalized.
Shehbaz said the government, provinces, and armed forces were jointly carrying out relief operations, reaffirming his commitment to full rehabilitation of victims.
The PPP welcomed the power bill waiver, crediting Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s earlier demand for the measure. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri urged further steps, including free seeds, fertilizers, debt relief, and UN-backed international aid.
Separately, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said rehabilitation of flood-hit families and farmers remained the top priority. He announced that surveys will be completed within 15 days, with distribution of seeds and fertilizers already underway. He confirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz had set a 100-day target for rehabilitation, supported by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, the army, and district administrations.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority (NHA) closed the M5 motorway at Jalalpur Pirwala due to flood risks, while PDMA Punjab issued an alert for the 11th spell of monsoon rains (Sept 16–19), warning of fresh flooding in major rivers.
According to PDMA data, over 4.57 million people, 2 million animals, and 4,700 villages have been affected across Punjab, with 392 relief camps and hundreds of medical and veterinary units established. Mangla Dam is now 93% full, while Tarbela has reached 100% capacity.
