LAHORE: Assistant Commissioner Pattoki Furqan Ahmed passed away on Saturday after suffering a heart attack while on duty in flood-affected areas near Head Balloki on the Ravi River.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Furqan Ahmed collapsed during an official inspection of flood-hit sites. Despite immediate efforts, the heart attack proved fatal.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise, offering condolences and prayers for the officer’s family. Tributes also poured in from Mr Ahmed’s batchmates and colleagues, who remembered him for his dedication to public service.
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Flood alert
Meanwhile, the PDMA issued a fresh high-level alert warning of very high flood levels in the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers and their tributaries between Sept 1 and 5.
According to the authority, very high flood conditions are expected at Head Trimmu on the Chenab within 24 hours, while Ganda Singhwala on the Sutlej is likely to face continued high flows. Heavy rainfall has also been forecast in the upper catchments of the rivers until Sept 3.
All commissioners of Lahore, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions — as well as deputy commissioners of more than 30 districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Sargodha and Rahim Yar Khan — have been directed to remain on high alert.
Departments of local government, agriculture, irrigation, health, forest, livestock and transport have also been instructed to take precautionary measures.
Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed reiterated the need for preparedness, while emergency control rooms have been activated across the province. Citizens have been advised to follow safety instructions and cooperate with local administrations in case evacuation becomes necessary.
