On the special directions of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, chaired a high-level meeting today at the Ministry to review and coordinate the flood relief operations being undertaken by the attached departments of the Ministry.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO).
At the outset, the Federal Minister emphasized the urgent need for coordinated, swift, and transparent relief efforts to address the plight of the flood-affected communities across Pakistan. He noted that the Ministry, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, is committed to ensuring that no family in distress is left unattended.
During the meeting, the respective departments briefed the Minister about their ongoing interventions. Amongst others, the most prominent ones were:
* Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP):
Approximately 70,000 beneficiaries in 31 Tehsils in KP and GB have been served.
* Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM):
Fourteen food trucks, in collaboration with Selani and Khana, mobilized to supply 12,700 food packages. Mandate of “shock therapy” interventions also highlighted.
* Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF):
Provision of 25,000 comprehensive relief packages including food, non-food items, and hygiene kits.
* Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO):
Reversion of funds is being solicited for flood affectees, in collaboration with NDMA to identify priority areas.
The Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of all departments and directed them to further intensify relief and rehabilitation operations in the worst-affected areas, with special focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups.
He further stressed the importance of real-time monitoring, transparency, and accountability in all disbursements and relief operations to ensure maximum impact and trust.
The Minister also issued specific directions to accelerate and strengthen the response:
* BISP Poverty Means Test (PMT) to be temporarily suspended to expedite relief access.
* PBM to mobilize all available vehicles for food delivery and ensure shelter homes are fully functionalized for flood affectees.
* All attached organizations to submit detailed reports of relief operations to the Secretary, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, by today.
* Both short-term emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation plans to be prepared.
* TVO and PPAF, along with their partners, to expand the scope of their relief activities in flood-hit regions.
These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary efforts. Our priority is to safeguard the lives, dignity, and livelihoods of flood-affected families. The Ministry and its institutions will not rest until comprehensive relief and recovery is ensured,” the Federal Minister reaffirmed.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s resolve to continue close coordination with provincial governments, district administrations, and international partners to ensure an integrated response for relief and early recovery of flood-affected communities.
