Maryam unveils flood relief, urban development package for Nankana

NANKANA SAHIB/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday announced the construction of two major flood drains to protect Nankana Sahib city and its suburbs from future flooding, along with financial compensation for farmers whose crops were damaged and residents whose mud houses were washed away.

During her extensive two-and-a-half-hour visit to Nankana Sahib and nearby villages, she reviewed the post-flood situation, visited flood-hit localities including Jaslani Mor and Miranpur, and launched the distribution of relief items by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The relief kits included mosquito nets, clothing, and other essential supplies.

Maryam reiterated her commitment to transforming Nankana Sahib into a model city. She directed officials to submit a beautification plan within two weeks and promised that funds would be released promptly. She also ordered for early completion of road and development projects, installation of zebra crossings and signboards outside schools and strict control on the price of roti.

She announced an increase in electric buses and mobile health clinics (clinics-on-wheels) in the district and instructed improvements in city entrance routes and shoulder roads. Villages such as Dafar Khokhran will also be included in the model village scheme.

At a detailed briefing in the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, she was informed that 1,525 acres had been submerged due to flooding, affecting 22 villages. Over 20,000 encroachments were removed, and various welfare initiatives had been implemented.

The CM ordered for swift and fair compensation for all flood-related losses and warned that any land grabbing would be seen as a failure of local officials. “Serving people is my duty, not a favour,” she said, lamenting the previous neglect of Punjab’s citizens.

The CM also paid a surprise visit to DHQ Hospital Nankana, where she checked emergency and other wards, inquired from patients about the availability of free medicines, and appreciated the prompt diagnosis and care with most patients treated within 90 minutes. She lauded the transparent medicine availability board installed in the waiting area.

Elsewhere, she praised Layyah’s Municipal Corporation and ‘Suthra Punjab’ team for clearing rainwater from the city streets within hours despite heavy overnight rainfall. She also commended Rescue 1122 for saving 23 people trapped by floodwaters in Gujrat using a motorboat.

The visit concluded with a two-hour review meeting at the DC Office, attended by MNA Shizra Mansib Ali, former federal minister Chaudhry Barjees Tahir, four MPAs and senior officers including commissioner Lahore Division.