Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed today that relief and rehabilitation work in flood-affected regions would not be halted until completion, as the federal cabinet met to coordinate with provincial authorities and assess the scale of the disaster, with the death toll surpassing 700, including more than 400 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The premier lauded the Pakistan Army for reaching distant and challenging areas to conduct rescues, noting that helicopters were deployed to move imperiled residents to safer locations.

He stressed that addressing the catastrophe is a collective duty and that the nation must unite to press ahead with relief operations and reconstruction efforts.

Citing concerns about illegal river constructions and tree-cutting in the Galiyat area, the prime minister said he would soon convene a meeting to discuss preventive measures, underscoring that there is no room for human-made disasters.

Acknowledging international support, Sharif highlighted the visit of China’s foreign minister and described Beijing as a steadfast friend and strategic partner, noting that he would visit China for bilateral talks and to participate in the SCO meeting.

A Fateha was offered for those who lost their lives in the recent rains and floods.