Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has directed all federal, provincial, and local authorities to intensify coordinated preparedness, rescue, and relief measures in view of monsoon rains.
According to Radio Pakistan, a press release from the President's Secretariat stated that the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to homes, infrastructure, and property caused by the recent rains and related incidents. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with all those affected.
The President instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), along with provincial and local authorities, to maintain close coordination and ensure timely dissemination of early warnings. He emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows, and water levels in upper catchment regions, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while directing downstream areas to prepare in advance for possible flooding.
Furthermore, the President ordered authorities to pre-position rescue and relief resources, safeguard vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and take necessary measures to protect tourists and visitors in areas at risk from flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides. He stressed that all concerned institutions must remain vigilant and ensure immediate response wherever lives or property might be at risk.
Lastly, the President urged the public to adhere to official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas that are under warnings for heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, or other weather-related hazards.