Debate on Flood Situation Concludes in Punjab Assembly

Lahore Ali Imran Chattha 

The Punjab Assembly concluded its three-day general debate on the devastating floods across the province. Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan held India responsible, accusing it of violating international agreements by blocking water at five points and unleashing "water terrorism" on Pakistan without issuing any flood warnings. The Speaker said that PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto were actively serving the people during the crisis. He urged the government to waive electricity bills and agricultural loans of flood-affected communities. Referring to the Dutch report, the Speaker warned that without comprehensive planning and implementation of a flood action plan, the situation could become unmanageable in the future. Opposition members, during their speeches, alleged that land grabbers had constructed housing societies along rivers, obstructing natural waterways, which worsened the flood situation. 

They further argued that farmers across Punjab were suffering immensely while the bureaucracy continued to mislead the Chief Minister and the government. Summing up the debate, Provincial Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada said the floods must first be acknowledged as a serious problem before any solution can be achieved. He clarified that the irrigation department had not breached any embankments during the floods and suggested that if anyone had grievances against the Chief Minister, they should openly voice them. The Speaker announced that the provincial and federal governments would be recommended to declare the flood-hit areas as calamity-stricken, so that electricity bills, loans, and other relief measures could be provided. He added that over two million people had been displaced and urgent relief efforts were the need of the hour. He also noted that following the Election Commission’s disqualification of former Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, a new opposition leader would be nominated after consultation with the Assembly Secretary and senior members. After completing the agenda, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan adjourned the Punjab Assembly session indefinitely.