PM directs Punjab Govt for urgent measures amidst heavy rains        

ISLAMABAD: In the midst of heavy rains in the province, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered the Punjab Government to take immediate action and mobilize rescue teams. According to a statement from the PM Office, the prime minister demanded coordinated efforts from the district administration, Rescue 1122, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, municipal, and other departments, stating that all feasible precautions should be taken to protect the lives of the citizens. He gave orders to the National Disaster Management Authority and other federal agencies to offer the Punjab Government the most assistance possible if needed. The necessary actions should be taken, according to Prime Minister Shehbaz, to notify the public of any emergency situations, plan alternative routes for traffic, and set up adequate drainage.

He also instructed to take preventive measures in the wake of monsoon rains in other parts of the country, besides asking the NDMA and PDMAs to coordinate for necessary arrangements. He said all possible steps should be taken to relocate the people from villages to safe locations, besides saving their cattle. Similarly, he said all necessary measures should also be taken to prevent urban flooding. The prime minister also directed to mobilise the respective administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other hilly areas, besides instructing to keep the PM Office updated on all the measures taken.