KP Cabinet Reviews Flood Relief, Approves Major Aid Packages

The keyword flood relief in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took center stage on Wednesday as the provincial cabinet confirmed that rescue operations in flood-hit areas were complete. However, the search for missing persons is still underway. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, focused on immediate relief, infrastructure restoration, and long-term rehabilitation for affected families.

Rescue Operations Completed

Officials briefed the cabinet that rescue missions had been concluded across flood-hit regions. While lives had been saved, damages to property, infrastructure, and livelihoods remained significant. Authorities are still assessing losses, and once the process is complete, the full report will be presented to the cabinet.

Additional Chief Secretary Abid Majid informed the members that departments had been directed to speed up data collection. The goal is to ensure quick distribution of compensation to families who lost loved ones or suffered injuries.

Communication and Data Systems

The chief secretary stressed that mobile phone service providers must restore coverage in disaster-hit areas to reconnect families. He also revealed that the planning and development department had designed an app to improve data access in affected zones.

Compensation for Victims

Chief Minister Gandapur confirmed that compensation payments had begun. Families of those killed in the floods are being supported, while injured victims are also receiving assistance. He added that losses in livestock and property would be compensated. Farmers and businessmen, he noted, would be included in comprehensive relief packages.

The cabinet later approved financial assistance for flood victims: Rs2 million for each deceased and Rs0.5 million for each injured. It also released Rs1 billion for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to launch a “Food Stamp” initiative. Under this program, each affected family will receive Rs15,000.

Restoration of Health and Water Services

The chief minister directed immediate restoration of health facilities. Essential medicines will be stocked in local health centers, while mobile hospitals will be deployed to remote areas.

He emphasized the urgent need for measures to prevent disease outbreaks. Veterinary care and fodder for livestock will also be provided to protect rural livelihoods.

In addition, Gandapur ordered the speedy rehabilitation of drinking water schemes, such as tube wells, and the restoration of road connectivity to ensure supplies reach remote communities.

Read: Rain Victims in Rawalpindi Left Without Relief

Financial Allocations for Relief

The cabinet sanctioned an additional Rs2 billion to strengthen ongoing flood relief and rehabilitation efforts, adding to the earlier allocation of Rs3 billion.

Recognizing urgent needs, it also approved a supplementary grant of Rs20 billion. These funds will be directed to fast-moving and nearly completed projects across the province to accelerate recovery.

Support for Law Enforcement and Rescue Teams

The provincial cabinet approved Rs180.3 million as a one-time grant for families of martyred police officers and injured personnel. It also approved a Shuhada package for the five crew members who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Mohmand during relief operations in Bajaur.

To strengthen rescue services, the cabinet approved the transfer of two kanals of land in Barang tehsil of Bajaur for the establishment of a Rescue 1122 station.

Infrastructure Projects and Development

In terms of infrastructure, the cabinet approved a non-ADP scheme worth Rs1.38 billion for the construction of the Kumbar Bypass Road in Lower Dir district. The project aims to improve connectivity and support long-term recovery in the region.

Religious and Community Support

With the month of Rabi-ul-Awal approaching, the cabinet approved Rs62.3 million in grants to organize Seerat Conferences. These events will be held in Peshawar, divisional headquarters, and districts across the province.

Legal and Administrative Measures

The Peshawar High Court was granted exemption from the “release policy” for the 2025-26 financial year. It now has full access to the SAP system to manage project funding under the Law and Justice Sector, along with authority for intra-sectoral adjustments.

The cabinet also approved amendments to the KP Right to Public Service Act, 2014. This included the appointment of a new chief commissioner to the KP Right to Public Service Commission and the nomination of two members for the Workers Welfare Board.

Individual Support Cases

The cabinet sanctioned Rs20 million in financial assistance for former KP Assembly member Shaukat Yousafzai for medical treatment.

Rebuilding and Resilience

Chief Minister Gandapur assured that every displaced family whose house was destroyed will receive a new home. He underlined that rebuilding efforts will not only focus on infrastructure but also on supporting businesses, farmers, and local communities. With billions already allocated and more aid announced, the government aims to rebuild stronger and ensure lasting resilience in flood-affected areas.