Punjab strengthening flood preparedness, rescue operations on modern lines: Kh Salman

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jun, 2026) Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that rescue operations across the province are being developed on modern lines in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to enhance disaster preparedness and public safety.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management at the PDMA Headquarters on Saturday, where preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and possible flood situations were reviewed in detail.

Khawaja Salman Rafique informed the meeting that the provincial cabinet has approved Rs7.17 billion for the establishment of new warehouses to strengthen disaster response capacity. He said 13 anti-erosion schemes have been completed, protecting more than 30,000 people and 12,000 acres of land. He added that over Rs49 billion has been paid as compensation to the victims affected by the 2025 floods.

The minister said that an operation has been directed against encroachments in riverbeds and river valleys, while all district administrations have been instructed to complete the cleaning of rivers and canals before the onset of the monsoon season. He emphasized that practical measures are being taken under the Chief Minister’s vision to make Punjab a flood-resilient province.

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The meeting reviewed de-silting operations, mock exercises, contingency plans, resource allocation and response mechanisms of various departments, including Irrigation, WASA, Health, Agriculture, Livestock and Rescue 1122.

Director General PDMA Umar Javed briefed the participants on monsoon preparedness and ongoing preventive measures. He said PDMA Punjab will issue a comprehensive provincial contingency plan next week under the departmental preparedness framework.

He further informed that pre-disaster and post-disaster response mechanisms are being strengthened, while new warehouses are being constructed in Rajanpur, Sargodha and Jhang to enhance PDMA’s operational capacity.

According to the DG PDMA, a risk assessment survey of Punjab’s five rivers and hill torrents is underway on the directions of the Chief Minister and is expected to be completed by June 30. He said the initiative also includes mapping of private boats, training of boat operators and recruitment and training of female boat rescuers to further strengthen water rescue operations.

Officials expressed confidence that these measures will significantly improve flood management and help minimize losses from potential water-related emergencies during the monsoon season.