Punjab Imposes Section 144 and Declares Emergency Amid Deadly Monsoon Rains

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Punjab has enacted Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and declared a state of emergency in several districts as torrential monsoon rains claimed over 60 lives in the past 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding. Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s administration has mobilized resources to protect citizens and address the crisis. This article explores the government’s response, the impact of the deluge, and the urgent need for robust disaster management.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 63 deaths and 290 injuries across Punjab, with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Chakwal among the hardest hit, as per Dawn. Chakwal alone recorded 400mm of rain in 10 hours, causing flash floods that inundated homes and roads. The Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144, banning swimming, bathing in rainwater, and unauthorized boating in rivers, canals, and dams until August 30 to prevent drowning incidents. CM Maryam Nawaz declared a rain emergency, stating, “Directives have been issued to alert the public through sirens and announcements,” urging cooperation with authorities. Rescue 1122, alongside the Pakistan Army, has rescued over 70 people, with operations ongoing in Jhelum and Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of continued heavy rains, raising concerns about urban flooding in cities like Rawalpindi and Sialkot. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reported overflowing rivers, prompting evacuation warnings for low-lying areas near Nullah Lai. “Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of power lines,” said WASA Director General Tayyab Farid. The government’s proactive measures, including a public holiday in Rawalpindi, reflect a commitment to public safety amid a death toll of 178 nationwide since late June.

This crisis highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, worsened by inadequate infrastructure. CM Maryam’s swift response, including compensation for victims’ families, contrasts with past governmental inaction, earning praise for its decisiveness. However, the recurring devastation underscores the need for long-term flood mitigation strategies. As Punjab battles nature’s fury, the administration’s resolve offers hope, but lasting solutions are critical to safeguard lives and property in future monsoons.