Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has stressed the significance of coordinated civil-military efforts in addressing the challenges faced by flood-affected communities, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
He made these remarks during a visit to Kasur Sector and the Flood Relief Camp in Jalalpur Pirwala, Multan, to review the prevailing flood situation and ongoing relief efforts.
Since June 26, rain and flood related incidents have claimed at least 956 lives and left 1,062 others wounded nationwide. Just a day ago, 10 people lost their lives — eight in Punjab and two in Sindh, as per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the hardest hit among the regions with 504 deaths, then Punjab with 268 deaths.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said COAS Munir reaffirmed Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at public welfare.
Interacting with civil administration, the army chief underlined the importance of good governance and inclusive, people-centric progress.
On the occasion, he received a detailed briefing on the ground situation, including details of the rescue and relief operations being conducted in the flood-affected areas.
He emphasised that all necessary measures including infrastructural development required for protecting the people against the devastations caused by frequent floods should be expedited.
“The state cannot afford the loss of precious lives and properties every year,” the field marshal said, as quoted by the ISPR.
During his interaction with flood affectees who had been successfully evacuated by the Pakistan Army and civil administration, the chief of army staff assured them of continued support in their resettlement and rehabilitation. The affectees expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Pakistan Army for timely assistance at a critical juncture.
Army Chief Munir also met with troops, Rescue 1122 personnel, and police officials engaged in relief operations. He lauded their high morale, operational readiness, and steadfast dedication to serving the nation under extremely challenging circumstances. He commended their round-the-clock efforts, carried out in close coordination with civil administration, to provide timely relief and assistance to the people.
The army chief also undertook an aerial reconnaissance of flood-affected areas both along Lahore-Kasur and Multan-Jalalpur Pir Wala Axes to assess the scale of damage and ongoing relief efforts.
