Islamabad (TASSAWAR NEWS): The government has started deliberations on granting one month’s exemption in electricity bills for flood-affected citizens. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Ministry of Finance to contact the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in this regard to secure possible relief.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Finance to hold discussions with the IMF on potential relief measures. He stressed that whether in cities or villages, relief will be provided across all flood-hit areas of Pakistan.
In addition, the government has decided to formulate a new policy and strategy to tackle urban flooding. In light of the recent devastating floods nationwide, the Ministry of Climate Change has been mobilized.
Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change said the Prime Minister has tasked the ministry with taking immediate measures against urban flooding and unchecked deforestation. He also directed provinces to prepare targets under the Climate Resilience Action Plan.
The Ministry of Climate Change will coordinate with provinces on the Climate Resilience Action Plan, consulting them on issues of urban flooding and deforestation. Provincial input will be sought on these matters.
The focus will be on preventing urban flooding and improving drainage systems in cities. Furthermore, the ministry will work with provinces to develop policies to curb deforestation. These measures aim to create strategies to minimize the risks of future floods.
