Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired an intensive four-hour strategy session on Wednesday to evaluate the worsening flood emergency across the province and streamline relief operations.
The high-level meeting reviewed detailed field reports from affected districts, painting a grim picture—particularly in Kasur, where catastrophic flooding from the Sutlej River has inundated 72 villages and disrupted the lives of over 45,000 residents.
In a swift and assertive response, CM Maryam authorized the deployment of military units in seven districts—Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara, and Sargodha—to assist local authorities in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Officials confirmed that provincial agencies including Rescue 1122, PDMA, Civil Defense, local police, and district administrations are on 24/7 emergency duty, spearheading evacuation drives and delivering aid to displaced families.
The situation remains critical in other areas as well, with flooding reported in 12 villages in Pakpattan, 23 in Vehari, 75 in Bahawalnagar, and 15 in Bahawalpur.
To bolster relief efforts, authorities have dispatched vital equipment and supplies, including 130 rescue boats, 115 outboard motors, six emergency motorbikes, 1,300 life jackets, and 245 life rings. More than 150,000 individuals and 35,000 animals have been safely evacuated to higher ground. Medical and veterinary relief camps are now operational, serving over 2,600 flood victims.
CM Maryam Nawaz instructed all public hospitals to shift to emergency response mode and assured the public that the government is fully committed to protecting lives and restoring normalcy.
Key provincial leaders including Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and other senior officials participated in the meeting, which concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to coordinated, fast-track disaster management.
