LAHORE, Jul 19 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Chakwal on Saturday to personally assess the flood-affected areas and oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

According to handout issued here, the CM also conducted an aerial survey of Takiya Shah Murad, Amirpur Mangan Lallani, Dhidwal, and the Dhamman Bridge, a critical connection between Chakwal and Jhelum, directing the authorities to expedite its repair and reconstruction.

During her visit, the chief minister inspected damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure, reviewing the pace of restoration work in the affected areas. She closely monitored the drainage of floodwaters and issued directions to accelerate relief operations.

At the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chakwal, the CM announced a financial aid package for victims of the recent heavy rains. She approved Rs 5 million for those who lost their lives in roof collapse incidents, and Rs 1 million each for the families of four individuals who died in landslides during the rains. On her instructions, Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and the Deputy Commissioner will personally visit the affected families and hand over the financial assistance cheques immediately.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the reactivation of the Civil Defence Force across Punjab, emphasizing the need for modern training programs to enhance the capacity of its volunteers. She also ordered the evacuation of mud houses ahead of the next spell of rain and instructed the authorities to provide relief camps or alternative shelter in government buildings for vulnerable families.

Reviewing the status of the Dohman Bridge, the CM ordered that it be reopened to traffic as soon as possible. The relevant departments assured her that a temporary steel structure would be installed within two days to allow small vehicles to cross. She further instructed the immediate repair and construction of six additional roads and bridges across the district, including the Balksar–Tehwa Bahadur–Chakwal Road, to be completed before the next round of monsoon rains.

Calling for a comprehensive strategy, she also asked for a survey report on a proposed small dam in Chakwal and emphasized the importance of long-term planning in view of climate change. “Natural disasters are beyond human control, life and death are in the hands of Allah Almighty,” she said. “While we have unfortunately lost lives due to drowning, roof collapses, and electrocution, the response from government institutions has been commendable.”

She urged Deputy Commissioners to remain in the field to oversee relief work and maintain public confidence.

The CM remarked, “Given the current flood situation, full-scale preparations must begin now for next year’s monsoon season.” She noted that she had obtained real-time updates from district administrations during the rain emergency and had requested detailed reports on damages to buildings and crops. “Alhamdulillah, no loss of life in Punjab occurred due to negligence on part of the administrative institutions,” she emphasized.

Deputy Commissioner Chakwal Sarah Hayat briefed the chief minister on relief and rescue operations, stating that despite over 400 mm of rainfall, Chakwal had returned to normal conditions. She highlighted that the Chowasidan Shah drain had carried four times its usual water flow, affecting six localities, six roads, and four bridges in the district. She further informed that desilting of rivers and drains, along with the activation of flood management equipment, had been completed prior to the rains. Flood drills, building surveys, and rescue exercises were also conducted in advance. She reported that during the record-breaking rain spell, 223 people were rescued by police and administration, 57 by Rescue 1122, and 27 were evacuated by helicopter.

Later, District Police Officer Ahmed Mohiuddin briefed the Chief Minister on the law and order situation in Chakwal. He reported a 30 to 40 percent decrease in incidents of theft and robbery, citing an overall improvement in public safety.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated Commissioner Rawalpindi, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat, and DPO Ahmed Mohiuddin for their effective management of the situation.