CM orders swift drainage, rescue measures during monsoon rains

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday directed a province-wide rainwater drainage, rescue and emergency response operation across 41 districts as the government intensified efforts to minimise public inconvenience and ensure safety during the ongoing monsoon spell.

Acting on her directives, district administrations, WASA, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments remained fully mobilised to carry out drainage operations and provide emergency assistance. For the first time, all 41 districts were equipped with modern machinery and adequate human resources to effectively respond to heavy rainfall.

Officials said the chief minister’s decision to strengthen and expand the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to additional districts had significantly enhanced the government’s capacity to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater. Drones were also deployed for the first time to monitor water accumulation, support drainage operations and facilitate rescue activities in vulnerable areas.

Residents of Lahore, Sialkot, Daska, Narowal, Muridke, Raiwind, Sheikhupura, Kasur and several other cities appreciated the swift response, noting that areas which had previously remained inundated for weeks or even months were cleared within a matter of hours.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

CM Maryam Nawaz commended officers and field staff for completing drainage operations in record time despite persistent heavy rainfall. She remained in constant contact with district administrations, closely monitoring drainage activities and emergency response measures across the province.

The CM directed authorities to ensure the prompt removal of rainwater from residential areas, particularly low-lying localities, neighbourhoods, narrow streets and markets, while also ordering special attention to public safety around dilapidated buildings and structurally unsafe rooftops.

She appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary visits to rivers, streams and canals during the monsoon season and instructed the entire WASA workforce to remain in the field until weather conditions improved to ensure uninterrupted public service.