Pakistan govt plans major relief for flood victims

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to introduce relief for flood-affected communities, including measures for crop and livestock losses, announced Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain.

“A special farmers’ package will soon be introduced to compensate for agricultural and livestock damages,” the minister said in his statement.

He said that tax exemptions will be provided on electricity bills in flood-hit areas. “The federal government will bear the relief in electricity bills, while provincial governments will waive land revenue,” he added.

The minister clarified that notices have been taken of extra charges in pre-printed bills issued in flood-affected regions. Proposals are also under consideration to remove income tax, additional duties, and retailer sales tax from power bills in these areas.

Rana Tanveer assured that “whatever relief is possible for flood victims will be delivered.”

Read more: Pakistan floods: 120 health facilities ‘damaged’ nationwide

The minister said that once the ongoing survey of flood-hit areas is completed within 7–10 days, a comprehensive farmers’ compensation package will be announced.

He revealed that initial data indicates crop losses between 1 to 3 percent nationwide, while Gujranwala division suffered the heaviest hit, with up to 18 percent losses.

Among crops, rice cultivation was reported to be the most severely affected, according to the minister.