Emergency Fund Announced in Peshawar
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has opened a dedicated bank account to collect funds for communities devastated by recent floods in the province. The announcement was made in Peshawar by KP’s Adviser on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, who stressed that every rupee donated would directly support relief and rehabilitation.
According to officials, the funds will be transferred straight into the accounts of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), ensuring transparency and proper allocation. The PDMA will use the money exclusively for emergency relief, shelter, food supplies, and rebuilding efforts.
Billions Already Released for Affected Districts
Muzzammil Aslam revealed that the provincial government has already disbursed 4 billion rupees to districts worst hit by the flooding. An additional 2 billion rupees were released in recent days to expand relief operations.
He emphasized that these funds were only the first step, noting that long-term rehabilitation would require far greater resources. “We are appealing to the public to step forward in solidarity with the victims,” he said.
Donations Through Bank of Khyber
To streamline contributions, the government has designated a special account at the Bank of Khyber. Citizens, organizations, and overseas Pakistanis can deposit their donations into account number 3007471342.
Officials highlighted that donations, whether large or small, could make a tangible difference for families who have lost their homes, crops, or livelihoods.
Cloudburst in Swabi Kills 42 People
The announcement comes just days after a catastrophic cloudburst in Swabi district, where heavy rainfall and flash floods caused severe destruction. Similar flash floods and torrential rains have also claimed over 330 lives in KP, GB and AJK, underscoring the scale of the crisis.. At least 42 people lost their lives, while dozens were injured or displaced.
Rescue teams and local volunteers have been working around the clock to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to survivors. Roads, bridges, and farmlands have also been badly damaged, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Floods: A Recurring Challenge for Pakistan
Flooding is not a new challenge for Pakistan. Every year, monsoon rains trigger flash floods that displace thousands, damage infrastructure, and strain provincial resources.
In 2022, Pakistan suffered one of its worst flood disasters in decades. According to the United Nations, those floods affected 33 million people, killed over 1,700, and caused damages estimated at over $30 billion. Although the current situation in KP is smaller in scale, officials warn that climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and intense.
Calls for National and International Support
The KP government has urged citizens, philanthropists, and international organizations to contribute. While state funds are being directed to relief operations, authorities acknowledge that provincial resources alone are insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge.
Development experts stress that alongside immediate relief, investment in climate resilience, drainage systems, and disaster preparedness is critical. Without such measures, communities in KP and across Pakistan will remain vulnerable to future climate shocks.
Conclusion
By launching a transparent donation mechanism, the KP government aims to ensure that public contributions directly benefit flood victims. The scale of destruction in Swabi highlights the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts.
With billions already allocated but much more required, officials are hoping that citizens and the international community will respond generously to help rebuild lives in one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable provinces.