Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb visited flood-hit areas and said that the scale and speed of the relief operation in the recent floods had no precedent in history.
During a media briefing at the Mill Fatyana Bridge, he expressed gratitude that there had been minimal loss of life in Toba. He also thanked the Pakistan Armed Forces for their role in relief efforts.
The minister said damage to roads, bridges, homes and property was extensive. He hoped that water would recede soon so that the next crops could be planted on time.
He emphasised the government’s resolve to rebuild damaged infrastructure to its original form. He said the whole world was witnessing the hardship being faced by the people of Pakistan.
He added that it was not appropriate to issue electricity bills to disaster-hit residents at this time.
Aurangzeb said Pakistan was already part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and confirmed that the Fund had understood the current situation. He added that local resources were being used before any funding arrived.
