LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for an immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation package for flood victims across the province, following a marathon special meeting – the longest of her tenure – focused on disaster relief and long-term prevention.
Chairing the high-level session, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed key departments, including the Urban Unit and Board of Revenue, to act swiftly in finalising and implementing relief efforts. “The problems of the flood victims must be addressed with empathy,” she said, reiterating the need for a people-centered approach.
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The chief minister also ordered an increase in relief funds as part of the rehabilitation package and called for a specific focus on the needs of flood-affected farmers. She instructed that a transparent and efficient survey be conducted at the earliest to assess the full scale of damage, with digital documentation and oversight ensured.
To facilitate this, a high-level committee has been formed to manage and supervise the survey process. CM Maryam Nawaz announced that she would personally unveil the early rehabilitation package once the groundwork is completed.
With winter approaching, she issued directives to set up temporary marquees in every district for families who have lost their homes and cannot return immediately. The marquees will be segregated for men and women and will be equipped with clean water, food, and other essential facilities.
In a major move to mitigate future disasters, the Chief Minister also ordered the removal of encroachments from waterways and approved the designation of riverbeds and streams as “red zones” where construction will be prohibited.
As part of housing rehabilitation, existing programs like Apni Chatt, Apna Ghar will be expanded to accommodate displaced families.
“I cannot sit back and relax until every flood-affected family has a roof over their head,” Maryam Nawaz stated. “When I visit flood-hit areas, I don’t just see water, I see destroyed homes, shattered lives. How can we sit in peace?”
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Acknowledging the high expectations of the people, she said, “It is both an honour and a responsibility to meet them.”
Maryam Nawaz concluded by stressing the urgent need for a master plan to prevent recurring flood damage, calling for both long-term and short-term sustainable policies to protect Punjab from future disasters.