Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged stronger coordination among disaster agencies to tackle the worsening flood crisis in Punjab. Chairing an emergency meeting in Islamabad, he expressed deep concern over the worsening flood situation, particularly in the catchment areas of the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers.
The PM directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to act swiftly on urban flood risks in Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujrat while maintaining early warnings and relief efforts across the province.
He also directed the Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to improve the effectiveness of flood and rainfall alerts and strengthen inter-agency coordination to reduce losses.
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the prime minister on the ongoing response efforts, including preemptive evacuations, safe relocation of vulnerable populations, and distribution of relief supplies. He confirmed that tents have been delivered to affected areas in Punjab, with additional essential items en route.
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In a bid to ensure uninterrupted public services, the prime minister ordered the Minister for Communications, Minister for Energy, Secretary Energy, and Chairman 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-hit areas.
The PM reiterated the federal government’s commitment to support all provinces equally. “Just as the federation stood by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during recent floods, the same level of assistance will be extended to Punjab,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for early flood warnings in Sindh and called on public representatives and officials to ensure timely evacuations and strict monitoring of relief efforts.
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PM Shehbaz further directed relevant institutions to take all possible measures to protect lives, property, crops, and livestock, particularly in vulnerable districts and tehsils.
During the briefing, the NDMA warned of high-level flooding at Head Marala and Khanki due to increased discharge in the Chenab River. Elevated pressure was also reported at key points on the Ravi River—particularly at Jastar and Shahdara—as well as on the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki. Pressure levels at Balloki and Qadirabad are being closely monitored.
The NDMA chairman noted that Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Rangers, PDMA, and other agencies are working in close coordination. Army units and police personnel have been mobilised for preemptive evacuations in at-risk areas.
The meeting was attended by 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 devastation caused by floods in Punjab, KP, GB & AJ&K. He condoled with bereaved families, showed solidarity with victims, lauded efforts by armed forces & rescue teams, & urged Sindh Govt to prepare for the expected flood wave
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 27, 2025
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over flood-related devastation in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan, conveying heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and communities. He also praised the armed forces and rescue agencies, saying they have set a remarkable example of public service.
“I am confident that, like in the 2010 and 2022 floods, the Pakistani nation will overcome this challenge with resilience and resolve,” said the president. He also advised the Sindh government to undertake preemptive flood protection measures.
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