PM directs to restore national highways, rail networks

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of using all available resources to de-water the nation's highways and train system in the flood-affected areas.

While presiding over a high-level meeting to assess the ongoing rescue, relief, and restoration efforts in the flood-affected areas, the prime minister gave these instructions.

In locations where the water was retreating and there was a risk of the development of water-borne diseases, he also ordered for close monitoring.

While praising the efforts of civil and military authorities in aiding flood victims, the premier noted that the reconstruction of the areas' damaged telecommunications, road, and power supply infrastructure was the outcome of the best collaboration and effort.
Lt. Gen. Akhtar Nawaz, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and Maj. Gen. Zafar Iqbal, the national coordinator of the National Flood Response and Coordination Center (NFRCC), gave updates on the flood situation to the gathering.

They also emphasized the specifics of foreign aid that friendly nations delivered to Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Division Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Minister for Food Tariq Bashir Cheema, Minister for Planning and Development Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail, Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Advisor to PM Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Dr. Aysha Ghaus Pasha, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi and senior government officials.