Shahbaz Sharif visit flood affected areas of Zafarwal

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government is standing with the affectees in this hour of distress. He said that we will not rest content till the rehabilitation of last affected person. He said that service to the masses in this hour of trial is not less than worship. He said that nothing is dear to him than rehabilitation of affectees. The Chief Minister stressed upon elected representatives and administrative officers to serve affectees and work round the clock for their rehabilitation. Shahbaz Sharif said that he wants practical work and not lip service. He said that no negligence in relief activities will be tolerated and those showing laxity will not escape punishment.

He was addressing affectees during his visit to flood and rain affected areas at Zafarwal (Narowal) today. The Chief Minister said that affectees should not worry. He assured that Punjab government will not leave affectees alone in this hour of trial and there will be no shortage of resources for the rehabilitation work. Shahbaz Sharif also visited relief camps set up in affected areas where he was given a briefing about relief activities and medical facilities being provided to affectees. He directed that medicines and presence of medical staff should be ensured in relief camps.

The Chief Minister reviewed the relief activities and the losses caused due to flood and nullah Daik in Zafarwal. He directed the administration to further accelerate relief activities and immediate drainage of rainwater should be ensured. During his visit to relief camps, he directed the administration that food, medicines and other essential items should immediately be provided to the affectees. He said that dewatering pumps should be arranged immediately for drainage of water. The Chief Minister reviewed relief activities and arrangements for drainage of water by going into deep water for a long time. Shahbaz Sharif said that he is personally monitoring the situation arisen due to flood and rains in Punjab.

The Chief Minister also met father of a child who died due to rain in relief camp set up in Zafarwal. He also expressed sympathies with the father of the child and gave him a cheque of financial assistance. On arrival of the Chief Minister at Zafarwal, thousands of people gathered and raised slogans of Shahbaz Sharif Zindabad. Talking to the affectees on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif assured that Punjab government is standing with them.

The Chief Minister said that he will soon visit the area again for reviewing the relief activities. The affectees talking to the Chief Minister said that you have proved to be a real “Khadim” by standing with the people in distress by visiting Zafarwal.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif paid a three-hour long visit to different areas of the provincial metropolis on a coaster after Fajr prayers today. He got down from the vehicle at several places and personally monitored the situation after heavy rains and issued on the spot instructions to concerned officers.

The Chief Minister visited Model Town, Kalma Chowk, Ichra, Qurtaba Chowk, Jain Mandar, AG Office Chowk, GPO Chowk, Mall Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Nicholson Road, Haji Camp, Aik Moriya Pull, Misri Shah, Chowk Nakhuda, Badami Bagh, Timber Market Ravi Road, Bhati Chowk, Chauburji, Multan Road, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Gulberg and Ferozepur Road and directed the concerned officers for immediate disposal of rainwater from low-lying areas. Shahbaz Sharif issued instructions for immediate repair of roads damaged due to heavy rains. He got down from the vehicle at Lakshmi Chowk and shook hand with WASA officials, lauded their performance and announced cash prize for them. He advised WASA officials to work hard and spare no effort for drainage of rainwater. WASA officials raised slogans of Shahbaz Sharif Zindabad and assured him that they will leave no stone unturned for resolving the problems of the citizens.

The Chief Minister took notice of the fallen trees at some places and directed Commissioner and DCO Lahore to be removed these trees immediately and report be submitted to him at the completion of the work. Taking notice of the rainwater accumulated on the road along Haji Camp Nicholson Road, the Chief Minister directed that drainage work should be undertaken on war footing. A large number of people gathered on the occasion and raised slogans of Sher Aya Sher Aya. Shahbaz Sharif also paid a detailed visit to Timber market and inquired from the people about their problems. He issued instructions for immediate disposal of rainwater accumulated in the Timber Market. Shahabaz Sharif directed that measures should also be taken for the drainage of rainwater from the parks all over the province and all out resources should be utilized for resolving peoples’ problems.

The Chief Minister directed Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique that in view of dengue, comprehensive planning be made for drainage of rainwater from parks. Shahbaz Sharif also reviewed the situation arisen due to damage to the roads as a result of breach in the drain in Gulshen-e-Ravi. A large number of people gathered on the spot and said that the way Chief Minister is serving the masses round the clock is unprecedented. They also assured their support to him. Shahbaz Sharif directed authorities concerned to take all out necessary measures and utilize available resources to resolve this problem as early as possible. He also reviewed the situation in Gulberg and took notice of the damage to the houses caused by accumulation of rainwater at the site of an under construction plaza and ordered registration of FIR against the owner. The residents of nearby houses including women gathered on the spot and expressed confidence that now their problem will be resolved. The women complained the Chief Minister that accumulation of water in the under construction plaza is causing serious damages to their houses and passage to their houses has also been closed.

The Chief Minister assured that their problems will soon be resolved upon which the women prayed for him. The Chief Minister started his visit at 5.00 a.m in the morning and returned to Model Town round 8.00 a.m. Provincial Minister Rana Mashhood, Bilal Yasin, Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Advisor Kh. Salman Rafique, Commissioner, DCO, DG LDA, MD WASA and other concerned officials accompanied him in the coaster.