PM Shehbaz Orders Nationwide Activation of 911 Emergency Helpline Amid Flood Crisis

Islamabad:On the special directive of **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif**, the **Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication** has **immediately activated the 911 emergency helpline** across the country to facilitate **urgent rescue and relief operations** during the ongoing flood crisis.

According to the ministry spokesperson, the **911 helpline will remain operational even in areas where mobile network towers are damaged or inactive**. Citizens affected by natural disasters can dial **911** to receive emergency assistance, including rescue services, medical aid, and evacuation support.

The spokesperson emphasized that people not affected by the disaster should **avoid making unnecessary calls** to 911 so that emergency responders can prioritize **genuine calls for help**.

The decision comes as torrential rains, cloudbursts, and devastating flash floods continue to wreak havoc in **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan**, where over **250 lives have been lost** so far. In **Buner alone**, more than **150 people** have died, with dozens still missing. Entire villages have been **swept away**, homes destroyed, and livestock and vehicles washed off in the floods.

In response to the escalating disaster, **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** has directed that **emergency relief goods** be dispatched to **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on a priority basis**, with aid trucks already en route to the most affected areas.

The government has urged all citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and use emergency services **responsibly** to support national rescue and recovery efforts.