PM’s Flood Aid Package Expected by October-End

ISLAMABAD / LAHORE — October 7, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to unveil a comprehensive flood aid package by the end of October, as the federal government ramps up pressure on ministries and provinces to accelerate flood loss assessments and support for farmers ahead of the crucial Rabi season.

Key Highlights

• PM Shehbaz’s flood aid package likely by the end of October
• Ahsan Iqbal criticises the lack of seriousness from key ministries and provinces
• Three task forces formed to fast-track relief and climate resilience strategies
• KP demands fair aid distribution based on NFC shares
• Punjab rolls out tax breaks and compensation in flood-affected areas

Federal Committee Flags Gaps in Provincial Response

The first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Agriculture, Climate Change and Flood Emergencies, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, exposed a worrying lack of urgency from some federal ministries and provincial governments in responding to flood losses.

Iqbal expressed frustration over the absence of key federal ministers — including finance, water resources, housing, climate change, and power — at the outset of the meeting. He also criticised Punjab and Sindh’s limited representation, warning that he would report the “non-serious attitude on such a grave issue” to the prime minister.

Sindh’s absence coincided with a political walkout in the National Assembly, while Punjab was represented by a special secretary. In contrast, KP and Balochistan ministers were present and prepared, earning appreciation from Iqbal for their engagement.

Limited Time to Support Farmers Before Rabi Season

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Iqbal stressed that the government has no more than two weeks to support flood-affected farmers before the Rabi sowing season begins. He proposed encouraging canola cultivation, which currently commands around $700 per tonne globally — significantly higher than wheat’s $250–300 per tonne.

“We do not have unlimited time to waste while the opportunity is slipping through,” he warned.

The KP agriculture minister briefed the committee on the province’s advances in olive and saffron cultivation, noting that over 700,000 acres of olive plantations could soon meet national demand. KP is also providing free seeds and fertilisers from its own resources while seeking support from international financial institutions for broader rehabilitation.

You May Like To Read: Pakistan Seeks Stronger Ties with Malaysia Through Joint Ventures: PM Shehbaz

KP Calls for Fair Distribution of Flood Aid

KP Finance Minister Muzammil Aslam urged that the PM’s flood aid package be distributed proportionately according to NFC shares, rather than concentrating resources in Punjab and Sindh. He stressed that gas subsidies and other benefits should not be limited to a few provinces, given KP’s own economic sacrifices after wheat trade restrictions.

Iqbal acknowledged KP’s constructive role at national forums over the past 18 months, describing it as “above provincial and political angles.”

You May Like To Read: Govt Pushes Provinces to Meet IMF Targets Ahead of Crucial Review Deadline

Task Forces to Draft Comprehensive Relief Plan

In light of poor coordination between the Ministry of National Food Security and provinces, Ahsan Iqbal announced the formation of three dedicated task forces to develop a comprehensive agricultural and climate resilience plan.

These bodies will submit reports within 15 days covering:

• Immediate agricultural relief, including seed provision
• Climate change impacts and resilience strategies
• Long-term infrastructure upgrades to withstand climate shocks

The reports will inform Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s flood aid package, expected to be announced by October-end.

Iqbal emphasised that short-, medium-, and long-term measures are needed to support farmers, including interest-free loans and a gradual shift towards private crop insurance.

Punjab Launches Tax Breaks and Compensation

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a tax exemption package for flood-hit areas and began distributing compensation cheques from October 7.

The Punjab cabinet approved a 171-point agenda focused on flood rehabilitation, including:

• Rs1 million for families of the deceased
• Rs500,000 for permanent disabilities and Rs300,000 for partial disabilities
• Rs1 million for fully damaged concrete homes
• Rs500,000 for fully damaged mud houses
• Tax waivers on Aabiana and agricultural income tax in 2,855 flood-affected villages

Punjab also set an ambitious wheat sowing target of 16.5 million acres to recover from crop losses across 2.5 million affected acres.

You May Like To Read: Ex-Senator Mushtaq’s Safe Return Expected Within Days: Foreign Office

Climate Change Now a Permanent Policy Priority

Concluding the meeting, Iqbal stressed that climate change is no longer an occasional shock but a permanent reality. He urged provincial and federal coordination to build climate-resilient agriculture, strengthen food security, and support farmers through predictable policy frameworks.

“This is a moment for urgent action — we must not waste it,” he declared.

You May Like To Read: Opposition Demands Transparency as Pakistan Sends First Rare Mineral Shipment to the US