Gilgit‑Baltistan , a mountainous region in northern Pakistan, is reeling from widespread damage caused by recent intense monsoon rains and flash floods. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan publicly requested a federal relief package of Rs 7 billion. He described the situation as beyond the capacity of GB’s provincial budget and urged immediate federal support to rebuild roads, restore electricity and water networks, and rescue lives.
Floods Claim Lives and Destroy Infrastructure Valued at Rs 20 Billion
CM Gulbar Khan confirmed that floods in at least seven districts, including Diamer, Astore, and Babusar Road areas, left 10 people dead and four injured. Over 300 homes were totally destroyed, and another 200 were severely damaged.
Vital infrastructure also suffered: 20–22 kilometers of roads washed away, multiple bridges and water channels swept downstream, and irrigation systems and electricity lines collapsed. Provincial officials estimate total damage at Rs 20 billion, prompting the urgent appeal for federal aid.
Urgent Relief Efforts Underway, But Resources Are Limited
Local authorities, Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and NGOs have mobilized quickly to provide tents, rations, medical aid, and evacuation assistance.
However, the Chief Minister warned that GB only allocated Rs 1 billion for emergencies in its budget this year—far too low given the scale of destruction. The administration also carries Rs 3 billion in past liabilities from earlier disasters. This leaves GB unable to fully restore water supply, roads, power lines, or compensate affected families without external support.
Why Rs 7 Billion Is Critical for Recovery and Rebuilding
CM Gulbar Khan specified that the requested Rs 7 billion would go toward essential restoration repairing 15–20 km of roads, rebuilding bridges, fixing irrigation canals, and restoring electricity and water systems. He also asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to personally visit GB and observe the destruction.
The federal government allocated Rs 3 billion for GB recovery efforts during the 2022 floods, but critics raised concerns about poor usage. This time, officials promise transparency and fair compensation for affected families, including funds for destroyed homes, livestock, and loss of agricultural land. They made clear: the scale of this disaster demands swift federal action.
Time for Federal Action and a Clear Path
Gilgit‑Baltistan now faces a critical crossroads. The region’s government urgently needs Rs 7 billion from Islamabad to begin rebuilding essential infrastructure and restoring services. At the same time, communities demand fair compensation, transparent fund use, and investments in climate resilience.
With flash floods predicted to become more frequent, Pakistan’s long-term recovery plan must include risk reduction strategies. Now is the time for the federal government, development partners, and citizens to act decisively for GB’s survival and future stability.
