Shahbaz Sharif visits flood hit areas of Multan,Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif visited flood-hit areas of Multan, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts of South Punjab on 12^th consecutive day today for many hours. He reviewed flood situation and relief activities. The Chief Minister met flood affectees in relief camps and inquired about their problems. He was given a briefing about the relief and rescue operation in affected areas in Multan. The Chief Minister directed that relief activities for the affectees should be further accelerated and there should be no shortage of medicines and food in relief camps.

 Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while addressing the affectees and meetings of administration during his visit to flood-hit areas said that Punjab is facing the biggest flood of the history of the province. He said that elected representatives, Pak-Army and entire administrative machinery of Punjab are working round the clock for the assistance of affectees. He said that PML-N government is utilizing all out resources for the assistance and rehabilitation of flood affectees. He said that efforts will be continued till complete rehabilitation of all affected families. He assured that there will be no shortage of resources for the assistance and rehabilitation of affectees.

The Chief Minister said that the government, administration and concerned departments have succeeded in saving Muzaffargarh from flood and Allah Almighty has also helped us. He congratulated administration, Pak-Army, police, Rescue 1122 and concerned departments on saving Muzaffargarh and also thanked them. He said that due to timely efforts of the administration, Muzaffargarh has been saved from a big devastation. He said that flood has caused loss to property and standing crops on thousands of acres of land. Shahbaz Sharif said that he will not rest content till complete rehabilitation of affectees. He said that the losses of flood affectees will be compensated and payment will be made in weeks and not months.

The Chief Minister directed that administration and public representatives should make strenuous efforts for rehabilitation of affectees and work with the same spirit with which Muzaffargarh has been saved. He said that wherever needed in flood affected areas, mechanical or ordinary tandoors should be set up.

Shahbaz Sharif inspected flood relief camp set up for affectees in Workers Welfare School Muzaffargarh. He inquired about the wellbeing of affectees staying in the tent by visiting their rooms. Flood affectees expressing their satisfaction over arrangements in the camp told the Chief Minister that they are being provided all basic facilities including three time meal, milk for children and medical aid. After the visit of flood-hit areas of Muzaffargarh, the Chief Minister visited Basti Balah Jhalan adjacent to Head Punjnad in Tehsil Ahmedpur Sharqia, district Bahawalpur where he was given a briefing about flood situation, relief activities and flow of water in the river.

During the briefing it was told that record three lakh 75 thousand cusecs water is passing at Head Punjnad. Hundred percent people from adjoining villages have been shifted to safer places. Similarly, cattle have also been shifted to safer places. Shahbaz Sharif directed to administration that in view of flood situation all necessary steps and preventive measures should be adopted. Addressing the affectees at Balah Jhalan, the Chief Minister said that financial assistance will be paid to the affectees in weeks instead of months. He said that survey of losses caused to crops and houses will soon be completed. He said that seed and fertilizer will be provided to affectees free of cost.

Shahbaz Sharif said that he will continue to visit flood-hit areas till complete rehabilitation of affectees and not rest content till the payment of compensation of losses caused to crops, houses and animals is made to the affectees.

The Chief Minister visited Chacharan Sharif, Tehsil Khanpur of Rahim Yar Khan, inspected relief camps and met the affectees. On the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that he is himself monitoring relief activities. He said that situation in the area is normal and work is being done round the clock. The Chief Minister said that he will stand with the affectees till they are not able to stand on their own feet and will continue visit every affected area. During the briefing it was told to the Chief Minister that 32 health centers have been set up in relief camps in Chacharan Sharif and 50 boats have reached the area. It was told that necessary machinery, bulldozers and other equipments have been sent to seven places.

Shahbaz Sharif reviewed flood situation and relief activities in Jhang and Chiniot through video conference in Faisalabad. He directed that rehabilitation work should be accelerated in those areas where water has receded and the process of survey should be completed at the earliest. Addressing the affectees, the Chief Minister said that Imran Khan is unaware of the earning of blessings of Almighty Allah through service to poor otherwise he would have visited affecdted areas and help the affectees. The Chief Minister once again asked Imran Khan to come with him and help the brothers and sisters in distress.

Shahbaz Sharif said that people of Punjab who have give him 33 seats are facing difficulties whereas Imran Khan is celebrating Jashan in Islamabad. Shahbaz Sharif lamented that entire Punjab has sunk in water, loss of billions of rupees has been caused to the economy but sit-ins are being staged in Islamabad and dance and music functions are being held.