Lahore: In response to the devastation caused by recent floods across Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has initiated an emergency relief and rehabilitation strategy, assuring affected citizens that the government stands firmly with them during this crisis.
During a high-level meeting held in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that no flood-impacted family will be left behind, particularly the farming community, whose losses have been severe. She issued immediate directives to all relevant departments — including the Urban Unit and Board of Revenue — to expedite recovery efforts on the ground.
As part of the recovery measures, the Chief Minister announced a new housing program titled “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar”, aimed at rebuilding homes for families whose residences were either damaged or completely washed away. She vowed to personally oversee the project, stating that she will not rest until every affected household is restored.
In areas where homes have been entirely destroyed and families are unable to return, she instructed the establishment of temporary shelters in each district. These shelters will be equipped with basic necessities, including clean water, meals, medical facilities, and separate accommodation areas for men and women to ensure safety and dignity.
Recognizing the critical blow to Punjab’s agriculture sector, the Chief Minister also announced the formation of a dedicated recovery framework for farmers, enabling them to resume crop production and restore their livelihoods. “A thriving agriculture sector is the backbone of Punjab’s economy, and we are committed to bringing it back on its feet,” she stated.
To ensure accurate delivery of aid, the provincial government will roll out a digital survey of all flood-hit regions. This data will be overseen by a specialized committee tasked with ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in relief distribution.
Maryam Nawaz also addressed the long-term risks posed by unauthorized settlements and encroachments near waterways, ordering their immediate removal and declaring such locations Red Zones to prevent future disasters.
Calling for a comprehensive flood resilience plan, she directed all concerned institutions to begin implementing short-term safeguards and long-term infrastructure reforms to minimize future damage from seasonal flooding.
Concluding the session with a heartfelt message, the Chief Minister remarked:
“When our people lose their homes, we cannot turn a blind eye. This isn’t just policy — it’s a responsibility. These families are looking to us for help, and we will not let them down.”
