ISLAMABAD, July 23 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed for expediting the rescue operations being underway in rain and flood-affected areas of the country.
The prime minister directed for accelerating rehabilitation of roads hit by landslides; particularly Karakoram Highway, Naran-Babusar-Chilas roads, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
He also directed the chief secretary Gilgit Baltistan for provision of all the facilities, including lodging, food etc; to the stranded passengers.
He also expressed his grief over loss of human lives and properties during the recent rainy spells and floods and prayed for the high ranks of the departed souls.
The prime minister stressed upon the need of taking all precautionary measures in the flood affected areas to control spread of endemic diseases.
He opined that in view of the upcoming monsoon spells, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and other disaster management authorities of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir should formulate a joint mechanism in this regard.
For avoiding urban flooding, the municipal departments should ensure prompt steps for water drainage and flow of sewage system, he added.