Punjab clears record rainwater within hours: Azma Bokhari

LAHORE – Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Thursday remarked the provincial administration has been clearing rainwater during ongoing monsoon spells without waiting for rainfall to stop, claiming that record rainfall in Rawalpindi was managed within hours.

Key points

• She continued that a number of rehabilitated markets throughout Punjab had been equipped with underground drainage and sewerage systems.
• She remarked the administration would respect and implement the court's decision in accordance with the law.
• CJP, FCC CJ attend reception at SC Lahore Registry.
• The minister remarked Pakistan was among the countries severely affected by climate change and that extreme rainfall and cloudburst events could not be controlled by any single administration.

While commissioners, deputy commissioners and WASA office-holders remained in the field during rainfall, she remarked the chief minister was personally monitoring drainage operations and receiving regular reports from the administration. The minister remarked more than six feet of water had accumulated in New Lalazar after heavy rain, but WASA and other agencies drained the water and additionally assisted citizens requiring rescue. She continued that a number of rehabilitated markets throughout Punjab had been equipped with underground drainage and sewerage systems. The administration was additionally reviewing drainage problems in Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and adjoining old markets to identify the causes of water accumulation and take emergency measures where required.

Punjab orders extraordinary security for Eid Milad.

Responding to criticism from Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon, Ms Bokhari remarked Lahore, Gujrat and Rawalpindi had experienced their heaviest-ever rainfall during the current season, but Punjab had managed to clear accumulated water within hours. "Punjab does not wait for the rain to stop or for water to dry up on its own, " she remarked, adding that WASA and the administration immediately moved into the field during rainfall. The minister remarked Pakistan was among the countries severely affected by climate change and that extreme rainfall and cloudburst events could not be controlled by any single administration. Nevertheless, she stated mitigating their impact and providing timely relief to citizens remained the government's responsibility. She maintained that the Punjab administration would continue to keep all relevant departments on alert as more rainfall was anticipated during the ongoing monsoon season.

Dr Khalid elected first president of PCFA Lahore.

On a separate legal matter, Ms Bokhari remarked the Punjab administration had filed a review petition and had the right to present its submissions and reservations before the court. She remarked the administration would respect and implement the court's decision in accordance with the law.

For now, punjab clears record rainwater within hours: Azma Bokhari remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.