LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Saturday visited Chakwal district to express condolences with the families affected by recent floods and cloudburst.
She announced financial assistance of Rs5 million each for the families of those who lost their lives in roof collapse incidents and one million rupees each for those four people killed in landslides during the heavy monsoon rains.
Acting on her directives, MPAs and the deputy commissioner will deliver the compensation cheques to the victims’ families at their homes without delay.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the DC Office Chakwal, CM Maryam ordered urgent restoration of all damaged communication bridges and ordered for 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 that connects Chakwal to Jhelum. She ordered swift completion of the bridge’s rehabilitation and directed the opening of relief camps or government buildings for families living in vulnerable mud houses ahead of the next rain spell.
Maryam Nawaz further instructed reactivation and modern training of the Civil Defence Force across Punjab, stressing the need to increase their capacity for emergency response.
In addition, she directed the Communication & Works (C&W) Department to immediately repair and construct six roads and bridges, including the Balksar–Tehwa Bahadur Road. She sought a survey report on the proposed small dam in Chakwal and stressed proactive preparations for future rain emergencies.
“No one has control over natural disasters; life and death are in the hands of Allah. However, the response of government institutions has been commendable,” the CM remarked. She praised the administration for ensuring that no deaths occurred due to negligence.
Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat briefed the CM, noting that over 400mm of rain was recorded, with six roads, six areas, and four bridges affected. She reported timely rescue efforts: 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 the DPO Chakwal, who reported an improving security situation and declining crime rates in the district.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given stakeholders the deadline of July 30 to clear sensitive areas near airports across the province.
The operation has been intensified in the ‘No Bird Zone,’ which entails clearing an eight-kilometer radius around airports. Teams from wildlife, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the district administration are actively involved in this effort.
To prevent the presence of birds, garbage removal operations have been accelerated in Lahore Cantonment, Walton Cantonment and areas under the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC). Raids, imposition of fines and arrests of several individuals have taken place, with pigeons and bird boxes seized from various locations.
In a special message on Kashmir accession to Pakistan Day, Maryam said: “On July 19, 1947, our Kashmiri brothers had passed the resolution to accede to Pakistan and set their future course.”
She said, “The Pakistan Accession Resolution reflects the deep bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan. Even after decades, Kashmiris are still waiting to exercise their right to self-determination. I salute the courage, struggle, and sacrifices of our oppressed Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris on every front.”
She affirmed, “We will keep raising our voice on all international forums to seek justice for Kashmir. God willing, the day will come when Kashmiris will decide their future in accordance with their wishes.”
Meanwhile, the chief minister discussed matters of mutual interest, development projects and issues faced by overseas Pakistanis during her meeting 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)
CM Maryam Nawaz also congratulated Pakistan Under-16 Volleyball Team on Becoming Asian Champion. “Defeating defending champion Iran proves that the youth of Pakistan have full potential of competing in the world,” said the CM while congratulating the Pakistan team. She added, “The entire nation is proud of you.”
