NAROWAL: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called climate change the country’s biggest challenge and stressed the urgent need to build new dams to enhance water storage and prevent future disasters. Speaking at a meeting in Narowal, he noted that Punjab is now experiencing heavy flooding after Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The premier praised the efforts of NDMA, Rescue 1122, armed forces, and local administration in rescue and relief operations. He expressed grief over the loss of lives and highlighted that Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Shehbaz recalled the catastrophic 2022 floods in Sindh and Balochistan and urged federal and provincial governments to cooperate on new dam projects.
Earlier, Shehbaz and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz conducted an aerial survey of affected areas. NDMA briefed him on dangerous conditions in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Severe flooding at Qadirabad and Khanki Barrages is threatening Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang, and other districts. Water surges in the Ravi River may also hit Shahdara and Narowal.
So far, 22 people have lost their lives while hundreds remain missing. More than 600,000 residents have been affected, and millions of acres of crops have been washed away. Several villages are submerged, roads cut off, and railway services suspended in Narowal, Qila Ahmadabad, Wazirabad, and Sialkot.
Flood levels remain dangerously high in the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi. While water pressure is slightly easing at Qadirabad and Khanki, critical threats persist. In Sharaqpur, the Ravi has reached protective embankments for the first time since 1988, raising fears of further devastation.
In Narang Mandi, Arifwala, and Sahiwal, floodwaters have inundated farmland and cut off access routes. Multiple bridges and embankments have collapsed, while evacuations are underway in high-risk zones. Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directed all deputy commissioners to remain on ground and ensure swift evacuation.
Authorities continue to reinforce embankments, but with rivers flowing at exceptionally high levels, large parts of central and southern Punjab remain at risk of further destruction.
