Punjab seeks army’s assistance amid severe flood situation

LAHORE: The Punjab government has formally requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army in six districts as floods continue to intensify across the province.

According to the Punjab Home Department, a letter has been sent to the federal Interior Ministry seeking military assistance in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara.

The request has been made to support civil administration in relief operations and to safeguard human lives as rivers overflow.

Authorities said district administrations, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and police are already engaged in emergency operations but require additional support due to the scale of the crisis.

The Home Department said that the number of troops in six districts will be fixed in consultation with the district administration.

According to the post, Army aviation and other resources will also be provided in the flood -hit areas as needed.

On the other hand, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Narowal district is currently suffering from severe flooding. The emission of two million cusecs of water in the River Ravi at Nainan Kot site has subjected the widespread area, while there is a severe drainage in the Nala Dek.

According to Ahsan Iqbal, the district administration is engaged in relief operations, but in view of the seriousness of the flood, the Pak army has also been sought.