RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Chakwal district to offer condolences to families affected by recent floods and a cloudburst.
She announced financial aid of Rs5 million for families who lost members in roof collapse incidents and Rs1 million for those affected by landslides during heavy monsoon rains.
Following her instructions, MPAs and the deputy commissioner will deliver compensation cheques promptly to the affected families.
During a high-level meeting at the DC Office Chakwal, CM Maryam directed immediate restoration of all damaged bridges and ordered construction of a steel bridge on Jhelum Road. She also instructed authorities to open the Dohman Bridge for small vehicles within two days using a temporary steel structure.
The CM conducted an aerial survey of severely affected areas including Takiya Shah Murad, Amirpur Mangan Lallani, Dhidwal, and the Dhamman Bridge connecting Chakwal to Jhelum.
She stressed swift completion of the bridge’s rehabilitation and ordered the opening of relief camps or government buildings for families living in vulnerable mud houses ahead of the next rain spell.
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Maryam Nawaz further instructed the reactivation and modernization of the Civil Defence Force across Punjab, emphasizing the need to enhance their emergency response capabilities.
Additionally, she directed the Communication & Works (C&W) Department to immediately repair and construct six roads and bridges, including the Balksar–Tehwa Bahadur Road. She requested a survey report on a proposed small dam in Chakwal and urged proactive preparations for future rain emergencies.
“No one can control natural disasters; life and death are in Allah’s hands. However, the response from government institutions has been commendable,” remarked the CM, praising the administration for preventing fatalities due to negligence.
Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat briefed the CM, reporting over 400mm of rain, affecting six roads, six areas, and four bridges. She highlighted timely rescue efforts, with 223 people rescued by police and administration, 57 by Rescue 1122, and 27 via helicopter.
CM Maryam also received a law and order briefing from DPO Chakwal, noting improved security and reduced crime rates in the district.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set a July 30 deadline to clear sensitive areas near airports province-wide.
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Operations have intensified in the ‘No Bird Zone,’ involving clearance within an eight-kilometer radius around airports. Teams from wildlife authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and district administration are actively engaged in these efforts.
To deter bird presence, garbage removal operations have accelerated in Lahore Cantonment, Walton Cantonment, and areas managed by the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC). Raids, fines, and arrests have occurred, with the seizure of pigeons and bird boxes from various locations.
In a special message marking Kashmir Accession to Pakistan Day, Maryam stated, “On July 19, 1947, our Kashmiri brothers passed the resolution to accede to Pakistan and determine their future.” She emphasized the enduring bond between Kashmiris and Pakistan, pledging continued political, moral, and diplomatic support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
“We will continue to raise our voice on international platforms to seek justice for Kashmir. Insha’Allah, the day will come when Kashmiris decide their fate according to their wishes,” she affirmed.
Additionally, the CM discussed mutual interests, development projects, and issues affecting overseas Pakistanis during meetings with MNA Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed Abbas and PMLN Japan President Malik Noor Awan.
Maryam Nawaz also congratulated cueist Muhammad Asif on winning the World Snooker Championship (Masters Category) and the Pakistan Under-16 Volleyball Team on becoming Asian Champions. “Defeating defending champion Iran shows that Pakistan’s youth have the potential to compete globally,” she remarked, expressing pride on behalf of the nation.
