PM Shehbaz Orders NDMA to Step Up Flood Response in Punjab, Sindh on Alert

APP

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to take immediate measures against potential urban flooding in Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujrat, while ensuring early warnings and timely relief in flood-hit areas of Punjab.

Chairing an emergency meeting on the ongoing flood crisis, the Prime Minister stressed enhanced coordination between NDMA and PDMA Punjab to minimize losses from rising water levels in the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers.

NDMA Briefing and Relief Measures

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the Prime Minister on the flood situation, preemptive evacuations, safe relocations, and ongoing delivery of tents and relief supplies. He assured that the provision of other essential items would continue in affected areas.

Rescue 1122, civil defence, Rangers, police, and army personnel are assisting evacuations and relief efforts, NDMA confirmed.

Federal Government’s Support

The Prime Minister instructed the Minister for Communications, Minister for Energy, Secretary Energy, and NHA Chairman to immediately reach Lahore to assist Punjab in restoring power supply, road infrastructure, and communication channels in flood-hit districts.

He emphasized that flood-related issues in any province would be addressed with federal coordination, recalling the government’s earlier support to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and assuring the same commitment to Punjab.

Sindh Flood Risk and Nationwide Preparations

Prime Minister Shehbaz also ordered early flood warnings for Sindh, directing provincial institutions and public representatives to ensure timely evacuation, safe relocation, and effective monitoring in vulnerable districts.

He stressed urgent measures to safeguard human lives, property, crops, and livestock, with issues at the district and tehsil levels to be resolved in close collaboration with local administrations.

Rising Water Pressure in Major RiversAccording to the briefing:

• Chenab River – High flood risk at Head Marala and Khanki due to heavy discharge.
• Ravi River – Pressure reported at Jassar and Shahdara.
• Sutlej River – High water levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki.
• Continuous monitoring is underway at Balloki and Qadirabad headworks.

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The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Awais Ahmad Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, Attaullah Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, NDMA officials, and other concerned departments.