ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has instructed the Federal Secretary Communications and Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) to reach personally and take immediate steps for restoration of roads. He also directed them to accelerate relief efforts following the recent heavy rains and landslides that caused road closures in the northern areas. He directed NHA should accumulate all recourses and get work force and machinery from Punjab and Sindh to utilize in the affected areas. He said that road network had been badly damaged which had to be restored as early as possible. He said NHA teams must start their work without wasting a single minute and put their all efforts to provide relief to the travelers.
The minister said the latest wave of Monsoon rains had created alarming situation. He emphasised that NHA must mobilise all resources in the affected areas to remove landslides and reopen roads for traffic as soon as possible. Aleem directed that NHA teams be urgently deployed and remain fully active in the northern regions, particularly in Skardu, Jaglot, Buner and various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. He further instructed that where roads were blocked, alternative routes should be used to maintain traffic flow and a detailed report on the restoration work in Gilgit-Baltistan should be submitted immediately. Expressing heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives due to heavy rains in Buner and other areas, Abdul Aleem Khan prayed for the departed souls. He also expressed deep grief on the crash of helicopter of KPK Government and lost or precious lives in this incident. He said that in this difficult time, every possible assistance should be provided to travelers and citizens and the public should be kept informed of the situation in a timely manner by ensuring that relief activities continue without interruption. Aleem directed that NHA will have to continue its emergency operations to restore traffic and ensure public safety so that continues travel facilities can be extended to the people.