Finance Minister and Senator Mohammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to flood relief and strict measures against hoarding during his visit to flood-hit areas of Toba Tek Singh on Sunday. He inspected ongoing rescue efforts near Mal Fatyana Bridge and engaged with local media to outline the government’s response strategy.
Aurangzeb stressed that the Prime Minister has declared both climate and agricultural emergencies to address the long-term consequences of natural disasters. He said, “The government is making all-out efforts to manage the aftermath of the floods. We will not allow hoarding, which leads to artificial inflation as strict administrative and structural measures are being implemented to curb such practices.”
The minister confirmed that over 116,000 of the 117,000 affected individuals had been safely evacuated through coordinated operations. He expressed confidence in the efficiency of ongoing rescue missions while acknowledging broader challenges tied to climate change, unplanned urban expansion, and unsustainable farming practices.
Highlighting lessons for the future, Aurangzeb remarked, “We must reflect on the self-inflicted pains such as poor zoning laws and inappropriate land use for housing societies and crop cultivation that exacerbate the damage from natural disasters.”
He added that a comprehensive assessment of damages is underway, with provincial and federal institutions, alongside the State Bank of Pakistan, expected to finalize evaluations within 10 to 15 days as floodwaters recede.
Looking forward, Aurangzeb emphasized the government’s 300-day climate action plan, led by the Ministry of Climate Change, which will be executed in full coordination with provincial authorities. He affirmed that a structured recovery strategy will ensure maximum relief and rehabilitation for flood-affected communities.
Finance Minister Pledges Strict Action on Hoarding, Outlines Flood Recovery Plan
