As relentless monsoon rains continue to batter Punjab, PM Shehbaz Sharif calls emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis, especially in Rawalpindi and surrounding cities. The meeting follows urban flooding, infrastructure damage, and at least 43 confirmed fatalities in the past 24 hours.
According to government sources, the Prime Minister has demanded immediate reports from both the Chief Commissioner of Rawalpindi and the Managing Director of WASA. The meeting will assess the extent of damages and evaluate the safety and emergency response measures implemented so far.
Disaster in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
The twin cities have recorded over 200mm of rainfall, overwhelming drainage systems and submerging roads. As a result, the district administration declared a public holiday, urging residents to remain indoors.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema issued the notification following a public safety alert, stating that more rain is forecast and asking citizens to stay indoors for at least two to three hours during peak flooding risk.
Emergency drainage operations and rescue missions are actively underway, with WASA and Rescue 1122 teams working around the clock in low-lying flood-prone areas.
Faisalabad Tragedy: Families Lost to Roof Collapses
Elsewhere in Punjab, Faisalabad has reported 11 deaths and over 20 injuries due to roof collapses caused by the torrential rain. Among the deceased are:
- A husband and wife
- A mother and daughter
- Two brothers
- A mother and son
The increasing death toll has sparked concern over the structural safety of homes in affected areas, many of which are built with limited resilience to prolonged monsoon exposure.
Also Read:
👉 Torrential rains trigger urban flooding in Punjab and twin cities — for detailed coverage on rain damage across Punjab.
With continued rainfall predicted, PM Shehbaz’s emergency meeting will be a critical moment for mobilizing federal resources and accelerating rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts across the province.
