Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive response to manage the ongoing flood emergency in Pakistan. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said that issues caused by heavy rains and rising river levels must be addressed through strong national cooperation.
The premier praised the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for issuing early flood warnings. He said the alerts helped prevent major loss of life and property. Shehbaz instructed officials to further strengthen the early-warning system to ensure timely evacuation and better preparation.
The meeting reviewed the worsening situation along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. NDMA officials warned of high-level flooding near Head Marala and Khanki, with heavy water discharge also reported in Jassar, Shahdara, Ganda Singh Wala, and Sulemanki. To support evacuation, the authority has placed 2,000 trucks on standby.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that relief efforts in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not slow down. He said tents and basic supplies were already distributed, but more assistance must reach affected families without delay. The prime minister also directed immediate steps to handle possible urban flooding in Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore.
He ordered ministers and senior officials from power, communications, and highways departments to reach Lahore and assist the Punjab government. Instructions included restoring electricity, repairing damaged roads, and ensuring that communication lines remain functional.
Highlighting earlier federal aid to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shehbaz assured that the same level of cooperation will be extended to Punjab and Sindh. He emphasized the need for close coordination between elected representatives and local authorities at district and tehsil levels.
The prime minister underlined that preventive measures must follow a clear national strategy. Protecting lives, property, crops, and livestock remains the government’s top priority.
With rising flood threats and mass evacuations underway, Shehbaz orders national flood coordination to strengthen disaster response across provinces.
