Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the extraordinary efforts of provincial departments, officials, and rescue teams who worked day and night amid devastating floods across Punjab.
She revealed that nearly 600,000 people and 450,000 animals have been evacuated in what she described as the “biggest evacuation and rescue operation in Punjab’s history.”
Speaking while reviewing relief activities, CM Maryam said the province was facing a crisis not seen in decades due to continuous rainfall and water inflows from India. “Our neighbour opened their spillways, and the floodwater entered our rivers, causing massive overflow,” she explained.
The chief minister highlighted that the Punjab flood rescue operation was the first stage of a five-tier provincial plan, starting with evacuation and followed by relief, rehabilitation, and dewatering efforts. She urged officials in flood-hit districts to ensure airtight preparedness, especially in Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Multan, and Okara, where water levels continue to pose a threat.
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Maryam Nawaz directed district administrations to set up tent villages, mobile bathrooms, and shelter facilities in schools to accommodate displaced families. She also stressed the need to segregate facilities for men and women, ensuring dignity and safety for all.
Medical teams were ordered to keep a sufficient stock of medicines, vaccines, and antidotes while increasing the number of “Clinics on Wheels” to reach vulnerable communities. “People should not have to call us in distress. Our field teams must already know what’s happening in every village and street,” the CM emphasized.
She also instructed officials to maintain a steady supply of cooked meals, dry rations, fodder, and clean water for both people and livestock.
To strengthen rescue efforts, Maryam Nawaz urged the use of drones and modern imaging technology to locate stranded individuals. “This is the age of technology — please use it and share the footage with me,” she directed.
The chief minister particularly appreciated the quick dewatering operation at Kartarpur, where the Narowal deputy commissioner cleared a major site within 24 hours. She added that lessons learned from each district will be documented and later implemented to improve future disaster management.
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CM Maryam praised the unity shown by provincial institutions, saying: “As a chief executive, it is heartening to see all departments working together like a family. There is only one government, one team — Team Punjab.”
She called on all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain vigilant, conduct timely evacuations, and use barges to transport large numbers of cattle where needed. “Connections between people cannot be severed — install pumps, dewater buildings, and make sure hospitals and health centres are functional,” she instructed.
The chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to continue overseeing the Punjab flood rescue operation and assured that the government will stand by every affected family until full rehabilitation is achieved.
