Punjab CM Surveys Chakwal Flood Devastation, Pledges Rs1m for Victims’ Families

Download IPFS

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Chakwal district to assess the catastrophic damage caused by recent floods and cloudbursts, announcing Rs1 million in compensation for families of the deceased. Her hands-on approach, including an aerial survey and directives for swift infrastructure repairs, signals a commitment to relief, though questions linger about long-term disaster preparedness. This article examines her response, the region’s challenges, and the broader implications of recurring natural disasters in Pakistan.

On July 19, 2025, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Chakwal to confront the aftermath of unprecedented rainfall that triggered flash floods, claiming lives and destroying homes, roads, and bridges. Conducting an aerial survey over areas like Takiya Shah Murad and the Dhuman Bridge, she ordered immediate restoration, including a temporary steel bridge on Jhelum Road to reconnect Chakwal and Jhelum. At the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, she announced Rs1 million for each family who lost loved ones, emphasizing, “Every life matters, and we stand with our people in their darkest hour”. Her directive to evacuate vulnerable mud houses ahead of further rains reflects a proactive stance, though critics argue it’s a reactive patch on a deeper systemic issue.

The floods, fueled by a cloudburst dumping 400 millimeters of rain in just 10 hours, exposed Pakistan’s fragility against climate-driven disasters. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 123 deaths province-wide since June 25, with Chakwal among the hardest hit. Rescue 1122 and the Pakistan Army saved hundreds, with 27 airlifted in Chakwal alone. Yet, power outages persist, with the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) estimating 48 hours for full restoration due to damaged infrastructure. CM Maryam’s call for modernized Civil Defence Force training and a small dam survey hints at long-term planning, but skeptics question whether these measures will materialize before the next monsoon.