Maryam Nawaz announces flood relief package

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday revealed a special compensation package for flood-affected people, while outlining key infrastructure plans for long-term protection.

At a relief camp in Jalalpur Pirwala City, the chief minister declared that heirs of those who lost lives in the floods would receive Rs1 million each. Homeowners who lost their property entirely will also get Rs1 million, while those with partial damage will be granted Rs500,000.

Livestock owners won’t be ignored, Maryam said, adding, families losing large animals will receive Rs500,000, and those losing small animals will be given Rs50,000. “I am Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, and I intend to uphold every promise made,” she stated. “No affected individual will be left without support.”

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She also revealed several development projects, including building a permanent embankment in Jalalpur Pirwala, supervising future evacuations, and launching the Gillani Expressway for Uch Sharif.

“Flood victims are our guests—there’s no hurry to return them home until it’s safe,” she assured. “We are working tirelessly to safeguard every family.” Even amid grief, Maryam pledged continued support, saying: “We may not bring back the departed, but we will leave no stone unturned in restoring normalcy.”

Moreover, in a decisive move to push Punjab’s flood recovery efforts, the chief minister has created a 14-member high-level committee to frame a robust relief and rehabilitation strategy.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will head the committee as convener, according to an official notification. The committee will formulate a comprehensive mechanism for disaster response and the rehabilitation of flood-hit people.

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The panel includes key provincial figures, including ministers overseeing health, irrigation, agriculture, medical education & emergency services, and secretaries of irrigation, agriculture, finance, and Rescue 1122.

Administrative leadership from the chief secretary, as well as the heads of the Planning & Development Board, Board of Revenue, and Punjab Information Technology Board, are also involved. Members also include the CEO of the Urban Unit and PDMA director-general. The committee may co-opt specialists as required to enhance its effectiveness.

Committee’s tasks include designing immediate and long-term response mechanisms, preparing funding requirements, assessing damages comprehensively (to homes, crops, and infrastructure), and creating digital maps of river paths and flood zones.

The end goal is a structured action plan with clear timelines and recovery targets. The panel has been given a tight deadline of one week to present its plan to the CM.