LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered for immediate deployment of rescue teams to cope with the looming flood threat, ordering comprehensive preemptive arrangements across vulnerable districts.
She instructed the administration and relevant departments to remain on high alert in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Gujranwala in anticipation of heavy rains. Commissioners and deputy commissioners were told to ensure strict implementation of advance alerts, SOPs, and instructions issued by the Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Maryam ordered mosque loudspeaker announcements for timely evacuation, along with the establishment of field hospitals and mobile health units to provide emergency medical care. She also directed vaccination and treatment facilities for livestock and the use of SMS alerts to inform residents in high-risk areas, particularly those living along the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej.
Special instructions were issued for immediate evacuation of populations near Sutlej River and relocation of livestock. On her orders, the agriculture, irrigation, health, livestock, forests, local government, and transport departments have been placed on high alert.
On the International Day for Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the Chief Minister expressed solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide. “Our sympathies are with those suffering injustice due to religious prejudice,” she said, adding that Islamophobia, mosque attacks, restrictions on hijab, and the vilification of Muslims were alarming trends.
Maryam Nawaz also denounced the ongoing oppression in Kashmir and Palestine, describing them as “unanswered question marks on the conscience of humanity”. She reiterated that Islam promotes peace and tolerance, highlighting Punjab’s commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and respect.
Separately, the Chief Minister expressed profound grief over the passing of the mother of Saudi Prince Fahd bin Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul.