Government Announces Compensation Plan
The federal government of Pakistan has announced that the families of those who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods will receive compensation of two million rupees (approximately USD 7,000) each.
The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, during a press briefing in Wazirabad. He emphasized that the financial assistance aims to provide immediate relief to grieving families who have been left vulnerable after the disaster.
“This tragedy has taken many lives. The government stands with the affected families in this difficult time,” Tarar told reporters.
No Compensation for Illegal Constructions
The minister clarified that compensation will not be given for properties or buildings constructed illegally along waterways or riverbeds. Many structures that collapsed during the floods, he said, had been built without proper approval.
“Such constructions will no longer be permitted,” Tarar added, stressing that stricter regulations would be enforced to prevent future losses caused by encroachments on natural water channels.
This stance reflects a growing recognition in Pakistan that unregulated urban expansion and weak enforcement of building codes contribute significantly to the scale of flood-related damage.
Assessing Damage in Flood-Hit Areas
According to Tarar, a comprehensive survey of the flood-affected regions is currently underway. Teams are assessing the destruction of homes, crops, and livestock in order to determine fair compensation for each category of loss.
Agriculture, which employs nearly 40% of Pakistan’s workforce, has been hit hard by the floods. Initial reports suggest thousands of acres of farmland have been inundated, raising concerns about food security in the coming months.
“Once the survey is complete, assistance will be distributed not only for human loss but also for livelihoods damaged by this disaster,” the minister explained.
Unprecedented Weather Conditions
Pakistan has faced unusually heavy monsoon rains this year. According to Tarar, three to four weather systems converged simultaneously, causing all three of the country’s major rivers to swell beyond normal levels.
“This was an extraordinary situation,” he said, noting that climate change has made such extreme weather patterns more frequent.
In recent years, Pakistan has ranked among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn that heavier monsoon rains and melting Himalayan glaciers are intensifying the risk of floods across the country.
Rescue Efforts Save Thousands
Despite the widespread devastation, authorities reported significant progress in rescue operations. Tarar said that over 200,000 people have been evacuated to safety so far.
The operations have been carried out jointly by the Pakistan Army and civil administration, who used boats, helicopters, and ground vehicles to reach stranded families.
“Timely intervention saved countless lives,” Tarar emphasized, praising the coordination between the military and civilian institutions.
Looking Ahead
The floods have once again highlighted Pakistan’s urgent need for better disaster management systems, stricter urban planning, and stronger climate resilience measures.
While the government’s compensation plan brings some relief, international donors are also stepping forward. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $1 million to support Pakistan’s flood victims. Yet experts warn that unless long-term solutions are implemented, similar tragedies are likely to occur again.
For now, thousands of families remain displaced, living in temporary shelters and relying on aid organizations for food, clean water, and medical assistance.
As Pakistan struggles to recover, the scale of the disaster serves as a reminder of the growing human cost of climate change in South Asia.
