Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Emphasizes Zero Tolerance for Illegal Constructions to Mitigate Flood Risks

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently addressed a ceremony in Buner, where he announced plans to tackle the issue of illegal constructions along river banks and streams that exacerbate losses during natural calamities. The Prime Minister emphasized that no individual or entity should be above the law, and actions will be taken against defaulters without distinction. He also acknowledged the bravery of the Armed Forces and civil administration in their relief efforts and pledged to mobilize all available national resources to accelerate recovery efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• The Prime Minister has directed the provincial chief ministers to devise a comprehensive policy to address the issue of illegal encroachments along river banks and streams.
• During natural calamities like cloudbursts, illegal constructions at vulnerable places lead to increased human and material loss.
• The Prime Minister has expressed concern over the activities of timber mafia and mining and crushing activities in waterways, which contribute to loss of lives and damages.
• The Prime Minister has instructed relevant authorities to overlook jurisdictional hitches when repairing damaged roads and communication infrastructure in any province.
• The Prime Minister has assured flood affectees of the Federal Government and Pakistan Army's commitment to extending maximum support in this critical hour.
• The Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff have been briefed on the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The Prime Minister has directed the ground formations to approach their responsibility with utmost devotion and to spare no effort in alleviating the hardships of flood-stricken families.
• The Army Chief has underscored that the safety and relief of fellow citizens remain the foremost priority.

Statistics:

• The Prime Minister has announced plans to tackle the issue of illegal constructions along river banks and streams to mitigate flood risks.
• The Prime Minister has assured flood affectees of the Federal Government's commitment to extending maximum support in this critical hour.
• The Prime Minister has directed the relevant authorities to overlook jurisdictional hitches when repairing damaged roads and communication infrastructure in any province.
• The Prime Minister has announced plans to mobilize all available national resources to accelerate recovery efforts and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Sources:

• Dawn: "Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that no illegal constructions or encroachments be allowed along river banks to mitigate the losses during natural calamities"
• The News: "The Prime Minister took an aerial view of the flood situation and damages in the affected areas of Buner and Shangla"
• Pakistan Defence: "The Chief of Army Staff interacted with troops, police and civil administration personnel involved in rescue efforts and lauded their selfless commitment in assisting victims of floods and torrential rains"