ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has stressed the urgent need to accelerate infrastructure development and other preventive measures to protect the public from recurring floods, warning that the state cannot afford the loss of lives and property every year.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief visited relief camps in Kasur sector and Jalalpur Pirwala to review the flood situation and ongoing rescue operations. He was briefed by officials on the scale of the disaster and the progress of relief efforts.
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During his visit, Field Marshal Munir interacted with officers from the civil administration and emphasised the importance of good governance and people-centric development in tackling natural disasters. He also met flood-affected families who had been rescued by the army and local administration. The victims expressed gratitude for the timely assistance provided at a critical moment.
He praised the high morale of rescue workers, police personnel, and soldiers engaged in relief operations, acknowledging their commitment to serving the nation in difficult times.
Field Marshal Munir also conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Lahore, Kasur, Multan, and Jalalpur Pirwala to assess the extent of damage. He was received on arrival by the corps commanders of Lahore and Multan.
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ISPR noted that the army continues to support civil authorities in providing rescue and relief to displaced communities, while efforts are underway to ensure rehabilitation once floodwaters recede.
Rescue operations by Punjab Police
According to Punjab Police on Saturday, rescue and relief operations continue in flood-affected areas across the province, with more than 681,000 people shifted to safe locations so far. According to IG Punjab Police, Usman Anwar, over 624,000 livestock have also been relocated to secure places. The large-scale operation involves more than 16,000 personnel, supported by 770 vehicles and 40 boats.
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In Multan alone, 295,346 flood victims were rescued, while in Dera Ghazi Khan 83,510 people were safely evacuated. Inspector General of Punjab Police Usman Anwar stated that drone cameras are being deployed to assist in rescue and relief efforts, enhancing monitoring and coordination. He added that patrolling and surveillance have been intensified in the flood-hit regions to ensure law and order and provide timely support to affected communities. The Punjab Police said the force remains committed to assisting civil authorities in mitigating the impact of the disaster.
Extremely high floods continue at Sutlej
The Flood Forecasting Division on Saturday reported extremely high flood levels in the River Chenab at Head Panjnad, where water discharge has reached 590,382 cusecs. The situation poses a serious risk to low-lying areas downstream, with authorities warning residents to remain alert as rescue and relief efforts intensify. Similarly, the River Indus is experiencing high flood conditions at Guddu Barrage, recording a discharge of 514,051 cusecs. At Sukkur Barrage, the Indus is in medium flood with a water flow of 422,400 cusecs, raising concerns for adjoining settlements and farmland.
Meanwhile, the River Sutlej continues to see low-level flooding at Ganda Singh Wala, where the outflow is 78,492 cusecs, and at Sulemanki, where discharge is 79,351 cusecs. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation across all major rivers, with flood warning systems activated and efforts underway to mitigate damage. Emergency teams have been placed on high alert to provide timely evacuations, ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, and safeguard livestock. Officials reiterated that consistent inflows from upstream could worsen the flood situation in coming days, urging the public to cooperate with local administrations and take precautionary measures.