CM orders heatwave relief measures

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Photo: File

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered authorities to provide cold drinking water for the public across the province in view of an ongoing severe heatwave.

She directed the district administrations to arrange shaded areas at major squares and intersections in every city and instructed authorities to ensure the availability of cold drinking water, fans and air coolers for passengers at wagon stands, bus terminals and railway stations.

The chief minister also ordered that visitors to government offices be provided cold drinking water and other necessary facilities during the extreme weather conditions.

She also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities during intense heat and hot winds.

She emphasised that special care should be taken of women, children and senior citizens during the heatwave.

She also ordered that cold drinking water, fans and air coolers be provided for students and teachers attending summer camps in schools.

"Preventive measures and caution are the most effective means of coping with extreme heat and high temperatures," she said. The CM also directed traffic police not to stop motorcyclists unnecessarily under the scorching sun.

She instructed officials to avoid stopping motorcycles carrying families or children in direct sunlight unless unavoidable.