ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the recent torrential rains and floods on Thursday, stressing that the rehabilitation of affected people remains the government’s top priority and directing authorities to ensure timely evacuation, uninterrupted relief operations, and preparation against future risks.

The meeting was briefed on damages, rescue efforts, and the current flood situation in southern Punjab, where floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers are flowing towards Panjnad. Officials said preparations had been made to withstand a potential inflow of up to 1.2 million cusecs, though the expected volume was nearly half that level.

The forum was told that over two million people were evacuated nationwide, more than 4,100 stranded individuals were rescued, 6,300 tonnes of relief goods were distributed, and 2,400 medical camps were established. Around 80 per cent of the power supply in affected regions had been restored, while damaged roads and bridges were reopened for traffic.

Read More: Floods wreak havoc across Punjab, displace millions

The prime minister directed that even unregistered victims must be provided financial assistance through a dedicated committee and instructed the climate change ministry to present a comprehensive strategy within two weeks to mitigate future monsoon impacts. He praised the efforts of NDMA, provincial disaster management authorities, the armed forces, and rescue services in ongoing relief operations.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers, senior officials, the NDMA and Nadra chairmen, while the chief secretaries of all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir participated via video link.