President Asif Ali Zardari has issued a directive to all federal, provincial, and local authorities to significantly bolster coordinated preparedness, rescue, and relief efforts as Pakistan enters a critical phase of the monsoon season. The directive comes amid increasing rainfall that is elevating the risk of flash floods, cloud bursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, river flooding, and urban flooding in vulnerable regions across the country.
President Expresses Condolences Over Recent Losses
The President expressed profound sorrow over the loss of precious lives and the damage to homes, infrastructure, and property caused by recent rains and related incidents. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with all those affected by the ongoing weather events.
Key Directives for Disaster Management Authorities
President Zardari specifically directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and provincial and local authorities to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely dissemination of early warnings. He called for continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows, and water levels in upper catchment regions, with particular emphasis on Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Downstream areas have been ordered to make advance preparations for possible flooding.
Pre-Positioning Resources and Protecting Vulnerable Areas
The President further directed authorities to pre-position rescue and relief resources, ensure the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and take necessary measures to safeguard tourists and visitors in areas at risk from flash floods, GLOFs, and landslides.
Call for Vigilance and Public Safety
President Zardari emphasized that all concerned institutions must remain vigilant and ensure an immediate response wherever lives or property are at risk. He urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas facing warnings of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, or other weather-related hazards. The President expressed appreciation for the efforts of rescue workers and emergency personnel engaged in relief operations and prayed for the safety of the people across the country.
