GILGIT: (Aug 5) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on Monday to assess the damages caused by recent monsoon-triggered floods and distribute relief funds to affected families. Chairing a high-level review meeting in the region, the Prime Minister acknowledged the escalating impact of climate change across Pakistan, calling the devastation in GB “unfortunate” and noting that such disasters are becoming more frequent and intense.
The region has been battered by relentless rains since late June, with the situation turning dire after deadly floods swept through Babusar on July 21, causing landslides and severe infrastructure damage. So far, at least 10 people—mostly tourists—have lost their lives, and up to 15 others remain missing. The Prime Minister extended prayers for the victims and vowed that the federal government would continue to stand by the people of GB.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s negligible contribution to global emissions yet underscored its position among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. He recalled the 2022 floods that killed 1,700 people and caused $30 billion in damages, adding that similar patterns of destruction have recurred each year since.
Commending the role of federal authorities including the NDMA, and the ministries of communication, water, climate change, and GB affairs, Sharif confirmed that relief efforts are underway and will be strengthened. He directed Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik to accelerate planning for climate-resilient infrastructure, noting Malik’s recent success in securing international funding for such initiatives.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the NDMA’s mandate would be expanded beyond disaster response to include proactive planning. He also revealed that the Secretary of Communications had spent six days in GB to oversee the restoration of roads damaged by the flooding. Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his earlier promise to lay the foundation stone of Daanish Schools in GB once the monsoon ends, and hinted at approving more development projects in partnership with the GB government. He also said the solar power project for GB, cleared by the Central Development Working Party, is now awaiting ECNEC approval and will be completed under his direct supervision.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz met separately with GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan to discuss regional flood damages, law and order, and ongoing development work. The Governor briefed the Prime Minister on the extensive damage caused by monsoon rains, particularly in remote districts. In the meeting, prayers were offered for the deceased and missing. CM Gulbar, supported by the PML-N and PPP during his election, appreciated the Daanish Schools initiative and discussed rescue efforts, the state of emergency relief, and ongoing public infrastructure projects.
Upon his arrival at Gilgit Airport, PM Shehbaz was welcomed by GB’s top leadership. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and other federal ministers accompanied him during the visit. According to a GB government spokesperson, the region has suffered losses of over Rs 20 billion. CM Gulbar earlier appealed for Rs 7 billion in emergency funds to manage the fallout from climate-related disasters.
As the visit coincided with ongoing climate disruptions, GB witnessed more floods triggered by cloudbursts in the Ghizer and Hunza districts. A glacier burst in Bagrot Valley killed a 12-year-old boy, while his father was injured. Other flood-related incidents have left multiple people missing, with Rescue 1122 personnel racing to respond in difficult terrain.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh alert for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides across vulnerable areas of GB and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy rains are expected to continue through Thursday, increasing the risk of further disasters.
So far, at least 299 people—including 140 children—have lost their lives in Pakistan due to flash floods and torrential rains since late June, with more than 700 injured, according to the NDMA. The federal government has reiterated its commitment to rebuilding with resilience and supporting the GB population during this difficult time.