Sialkot shuts down after record rainfall

SIALKOT: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that Sialkot recorded over 363 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours, breaking a 49-year record.

According to PMD, the previous highest rainfall in the city was 339 millimeters, recorded on August 6, 1976.

The unprecedented downpour has raised concerns of flooding and further strain on local infrastructure.

Following torrential rains, several parts of Sialkot city have been inundated, causing severe disruption to daily life.

According to reports, Rangpura, Shahabpura, Dara Arainyan, Allama Iqbal Chowk, and Prem Nagar are among the worst-hit areas, where streets and residential neighborhoods remain submerged under rainwater.

On the other hand, 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.