Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to prevent construction around rivers, streams, and natural water channels.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Water Resources to extend full support to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in restoring water supply systems in areas affected by recent torrential rains and floods. Emphasizing that assisting those impacted by these natural disasters is a national responsibility, he stated that rehabilitation efforts will commence following the completion of rescue and relief operations.

The Prime Minister instructed relevant federal ministers and secretaries to visit areas where relief activities are ongoing. He also directed authorities to issue early warnings to communities at risk from two anticipated weather spells and called for strict monitoring of a lake formed by debris after a glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan. The safety of residents in potentially affected regions was highlighted as a priority.

Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif tasked the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority with overseeing the condition of the lake. He instructed the engagement of engineers from the Pakistan Army and FCNA to ensure the safe release of water without causing damage.

The meeting included briefings on expected rainfall in the northern and southern regions of the country and the status of rivers and glaciers. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, also informed attendees about the establishment of a Central Coordination Committee to oversee rescue and relief efforts.