Protection of human life and property top priority, Salman Rafique

Lahore: On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the flood-affected areas and protective bunds of Jalalpur Pirwala. The Provincial Minister reviewed the flood arrangements and protective measures in detail. DG PDMA Saif Anwar Jappa also accompanied the Provincial Minister.

On this occasion, Provincial Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the protection of human life and property is the top priority of the Punjab government, all institutions are on full alert.

Both the protective bunds Jalalpur Pirwala and Nooraja Bhatta have been constructed at a cost of about Rs 2 billion. To prevent floods and other natural disasters, modern machinery and rescue equipment worth billions of rupees have been provided to Rescue 1122 and other related departments.

The Punjab government has provided resources for flood prevention in all districts including Multan. Khawaja Salman Rafique inspected the flood embankments, rescue arrangements, evacuation plans and relief preparations on the spot.

Khawaja Salman Rafique also directed to ensure timely completion of safety projects and availability of all necessary resources. The provincial minister appreciated the performance of the commissioner, district administration and related institutions for making flood management more effective in the light of last year’s experiences.

Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan gave a comprehensive briefing to the provincial minister on the flood arrangements of Multan division. Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan informed about the permanent safety measures taken after last year’s flood.

On this occasion, Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan said that the 7.2-kilometer protective flood embankment of Jalalpur Pirwala has been completed. The protective embankment will protect Jalalpur Pirwala from the backflow of Chenab.

The flood contingency plan, evacuation plan and rescue plan have been fully implemented. For the first time this year, evacuation points and relief camps have been set up separately. Digital mapping of flood-affected areas, complete data of focal persons and resources have been prepared.

Rescue agencies have completed their exercises, the control room and all relevant agencies are on high alert. The current river situation is normal, however, there is full preparedness to deal with any emergency.

Member Punjab Assembly Lal Muhammad Joyia, Member Punjab Assembly MPA Nazk Karim Long, Deputy Commissioner Multan Dr. Faisal Saleem, Additional Commissioner Revenue Akhlaq Ahmed, Director Emergency Dr. Hussain Mian and Chief Engineer Anhar Muhammad Azeem were present.