Cabinet moves to tackle flood crisis with emergencies

September 11, 2025 (MLN): In view of the ongoing monsoon rains and severe flooding, the Federal Cabinet has approved the enforcement of climate and agriculture emergencies across the country to address growing climatic challenges and provide support to farmers hit by the crisis.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, flanked by Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, briefed the media about the cabinet’s decisions.

He stressed that cooperation from all provincial stakeholders, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will be essential in implementing these measures, adding that a meeting with stakeholders will be convened immediately to coordinate efforts.

On the energy front, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik informed that the government has decided to lift the ban on new Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) based gas connections, which had been in place since 2021.

He said RLNG would be 30 to 35% cheaper than imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), offering significant relief to consumers.

Gas companies have been directed to invite applications for new connections, while existing applicants will be given the option to switch to RLNG by depositing the required security fee as per OGRA’s decision.

Ali Pervaiz Malik further assured that efforts are being made to boost local gas production to gradually reduce dependence on RLNG and ensure more affordable energy for the public.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also highlighted the Prime Minister’s recent successful visit to China, terming it the beginning of a new era of cooperation in multiple fields.

He noted that the Prime Minister’s interactions with world leaders showed a conducive and friendly diplomatic environment.

The Minister said the Prime Minister and the cabinet paid tribute to the sacrifice of Major Adnan Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom in the fight against Fitna al-Khwarij, reiterating that the nation stands firmly behind its armed forces in their efforts to safeguard peace.

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