PM calls for improved coordination to mitigate the flood impact in Punjab

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on stronger coordination among disaster agencies to tackle the deteriorating flood crisis in Punjab. He was chairman of an emergency meeting in Islamabad and expressed deep concern about the deteriorating flood situation, especially in the catchment areas of Chenab, Sutlej and Ravi.

The Prime Minister instructed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to act quickly on urban flood risks in Lahore, Sialkot and Gujrat, while maintaining early warnings and relief efforts throughout the province.

He also instructed Punjabs Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to improve the effectiveness of flooding and precipitation and strengthening coordination between agencies to reduce losses.

NDMA -President LT Gen Inam Haider Malik oriented the Prime Minister about the ongoing response effort, including preventative evacuations, safe moving of vulnerable populations and distribution of relief. He confirmed that tents have been delivered to affected areas of Punjab with additional important things along the way.

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In an attempt to secure uninterrupted public services, the Prime Minister ordered the Minister of Communication, Energy Minister, Secretary Energy and President of the National Highway Authority (NHA) to immediately reach Lahore and coordinate with the provincial government.

Their directives include ensuring continuous power supply, functional communication networks and restoring road access in flood areas.

The prime minister repeated the federal government’s obligation to support all provinces equally. “Like Federation, at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during the recent floods, the same level of help with Punjab is expanding,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for early flood warnings in Sindh and called on public representatives and officials to ensure timely evacuation and strict monitoring of relief efforts.

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PM Shehbaz instructed additional relevant institutions to take all possible measures to protect life, property, crops and livestock, especially in vulnerable districts and tehsils.

During the briefing, NDMA warned of high-level flood at the head Marala and Khanki due to increased emissions into the Chenab River. Explored pressures were also reported on key points on the Ravi River – especially at Jastar and Shahdara – as well as on the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki. Pressure levels at Balloki and Qadirabad are closely monitored.

The NDMA chairman noted that Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, Rangers, PDMA and other agencies work in close coordination. Army units and police personnel have been mobilized for preventative evacuations in areas at risk.

The meeting attended federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Awais Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema and senior officials from relevant departments. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit vulnerable areas on Thursday, including Narowal, Sialkot and flood-affected regions along the Sutlej River in Lahore.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over flood-related destruction in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the affected families and communities. He also praised the armed forces and rescue cubicles and said they have set a remarkable example of public service.

“I am convinced that the Pakistani nation, just as in the floods of 2010 and 2022, will overcome this challenge with resilience and determination,” the president said. He also advised the Sindh government to implement preventative flooding measures.