Islamabad, September 14, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday unveiled a wide-ranging relief package to support communities devastated by torrential rains and flash floods across the country.
In a televised address, Shehbaz said the destruction was severe and widespread, but reassured citizens that the federal government stood firmly with those affected.
“Providing assistance to flood victims is not a favor but our duty,” the premier said. He explained that electricity distribution companies had been directed to take immediate steps to reduce the burden on households and businesses in the worst-hit districts.
As part of the package, one month’s electricity bills for residential consumers in affected areas will be completely waived. For commercial and industrial consumers, payment of August bills has been deferred. The government will shoulder the financial impact of these waivers, while those who have already cleared their dues will receive adjustments in their upcoming bills.
Shehbaz also emphasized that assessments were underway to calculate losses in agriculture, commerce, and industry. He assured the nation that rehabilitation would not stop at temporary relief, but continue until every displaced family was resettled in their homes. If damage estimates exceed current expectations, additional measures will be rolled out.
Reaffirming his resolve, Shehbaz said, “I will not rest until the last affected citizen is rehabilitated and provided with the means to rebuild life with dignity.” He urged power distribution companies and provincial authorities to expedite their efforts without delay.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority, the floods have already claimed at least 972 lives. Crops, livestock, and infrastructure have been destroyed, with Punjab suffering the heaviest losses. Floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers inundated more than 4,500 villages in the province. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed reported that 2,334 villages were submerged by the Chenab, 1,482 by the Ravi, and 672 by the Sutlej.
Overall, 4.498 million people have been affected, with 2.451 million evacuated to safer areas. Nearly 1.91 million livestock were also shifted, while 396 relief camps were set up in the hardest-hit districts.
For now, the relief package announced by Shehbaz represents a critical first step in addressing both the immediate needs and the long-term recovery of flood-affected communities.