The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, urgently requested Rs 7 billion from the federal government to address the climate-induced floods that had resulted in over Rs 20 billion in damages across seven districts. During a press conference in Gilgit, he emphasised the region’s limited resources.
Balochistan recently experienced daily floods, with Diamer suffering the most severe impact. These disasters claimed 10 lives, seven in Babusar, two in Thore Valley, and one in Astore and injured four others. The floods destroyed 300 homes and partially damaged 200 more. They ruined 40 water channels, 15 kilometres of roads, and several bridges across 30 villages. Additionally, floods severely damaged crops, electricity poles, and critical infrastructure.
In Fairy Meadows, a flash flood claimed the lives of over 200 livestock, while Shigar’s Qaimabad Tisar and Kondus village saw more than 50 homes lost to landslides, according to Rescue 1122.
Read: Karakoram Highway Reopens as Gilgit-Baltistan Battles Flood Aftermath
With only Rs1 billion allocated for emergencies and Rs3 billion in past liabilities, Khan stated: “This year’s disasters exceed our resources.” He appealed to PM Shehbaz Sharif for Rs7 billion to restore roads, water, and power, criticising the misuse of 2022’s Rs3 billion aid. Free evacuation flights, including a C-130 from Skardu, assisted 135 people, according to Chief Secretary Abrar Mirza.
The Karakoram Highway, blocked at Chilas on July 25, reopened on July 27. However, floods persist, disrupting mobile networks and water supplies. Khan urged NGOs and international aid, with a formal request sent to the PM. GB’s flood crisis demands urgent federal aid. Khan’s Rs7 billion plea aims to rebuild, as ongoing rescues highlight the region’s vulnerability
