An important meeting of the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP) was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal. The meeting reviewed the situation in flood-affected areas of Balochistan and the overall pace and update on the rehabilitation activities in those regions. Addressing the participants, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal said that reconstruction projects were initiated as an expression of solidarity with the flood victims in Balochistan, and it is now our responsibility to complete these projects swiftly and timely. He emphasized that at least 400 houses are to be built in each of affected areas. He directed the authorities to provide education, healthcare, and all necessary services to the victims as well as the areas which are being rehabilitated during the reconstruction process, stating that the federal government is committed to fully cooperating with the provincial government in this regard. Ahsan Iqbal further said that along with the restoration of the affected areas, priority is also being given to local employment and livelihood improvements for the communities through agriculture, irrigation, and other projects. He highlighted that during the previous government of the Pakistan Muslim League-N between 2013-2018, the construction of the road from Gwadar to Quetta reduced the travel time from 18-20 hours to just 8 hours, creating countless opportunities for local populations. Ahsan Iqbal stressed that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits of reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts reach those most in need. He added that the implementation of the federal government's reconstruction and resettlement project is the responsibility of the Balochistan government, and he would personally request the Chief Minister of Balochistan to ensure the project's speedy completion. At the same time, the Federal Minister for Planning expressed his displeasure on the delay in the initiation of the National Highway Authority's Emergency Build Assistance Project. He remarked that it was unfortunate that a project, which should have started in 2022, has been delayed and, as a result, the cost has tripled. Mr. Ahsan Iqbal also instructed the IFRAP project team and the heads of units established in the affected areas to build close relations with the affected people and local communities. He noted that the aim of the IFRAP project is to coordinate rehabilitation activities and raise awareness among the victims about these activities. The project, alongside its social interventions, aims to empower the people of Balochistan by raising awareness. The Federal Minister urged the IFRAP team to ensure their active role in the reconstruction of affected areas and rehabilitation of the victims. He concluded that the full participation and active involvement of the communities is essential for ensuring transparency and the timely completion of development projects.
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