PM Shehbaz orders immediate measures as Punjab rivers face high flood risks

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged that any difficulties arising from floods across the provinces will be addressed through comprehensive coordination at the national level.

He said this while chairing a meeting in Islamabad today focused on challenges stemming from heavy rainfall in Punjab and the flooding situation in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers.

The premier noted that the advance warnings issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday through various media outlets were instrumental in preventing significant loss of life and property.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing this early warning system for future incidents.

PM Shehbaz said that the NDMA has already dispatched tents to affected regions within Punjab and instructed that the delivery of other vital supplies must continue without interruption.

He called for immediate administrative actions to tackle potential urban flooding risks in Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore.

Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of electricity, the restoration of communication networks, and the repair of damaged roads were highlighted as critical priorities given the current flood conditions in Punjab.

The prime minister directed the Minister for Communications, Minister for Power, Secretary Power, and Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) to travel to Lahore and offer full, practical support to the provincial government.

Referring to recent flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to provide every necessary assistance and assured the same level of cooperation for Punjab.

He further instructed that timely warnings about the potential arrival of floodwaters in Sindh, following Punjab, must be consistently issued to minimize risks.

PM Shehbaz stressed the responsibility of elected officials and government institutions to ensure the prompt evacuation, safe relocation, and efficient oversight of relief operations in flood-affected areas.

He underscored the need for preventive measures to protect human lives, property, crops, and livestock through a well-coordinated strategy.

“Problems arising at district and tehsil levels due to flooding should be swiftly addressed through collaboration between local and provincial authorities,” PM Shehbaz said.

During the meeting, the NDMA Chairman briefed the prime minister on the flood situation, indicating a high risk of severe flooding at head Marala and Khanki points caused by increased water discharge in the Chenab River.

To facilitate timely evacuations, 2,000 trucks have been made available and are prepared to respond as needed.

Furthermore, the meeting was informed about substantial water discharge pressures at Jassar and Shahdara on the Ravi River, as well as at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki on the Sutlej River.