Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Thursday that breaching embankments at selected points is a deliberate step to protect critical infrastructure as floodwaters continue to rise. She expressed hope that around 250,000 cusecs of water would safely pass through the Ravi River at Shahdara.
Speaking in a private TV program, the minister explained that protective embankments are being strictly monitored. She added that residents and livestock are being moved to safer areas before controlled breaching embankments takes place.
Bokhari shared that Head Qadirabad, which has a capacity of 900,000 cusecs, had already recorded 950,000 cusecs. She noted that water levels have now begun to decline there. “Leaving one’s home for a relief camp is never easy, but saving human lives remains the top priority,” she stressed.
The minister also urged people not to put themselves at risk by gathering on embankments to watch floodwaters or allowing children to bathe in dangerous waters. “This is not a time for amusement. Citizens must cooperate with the administration,” she said firmly.
She further mentioned that conditions in Wazirabad have returned to normal as floodwaters receded from the main highway.
Bokhari criticized flour mills for unjustly raising prices under the excuse of floods, reminding that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has a “zero tolerance” policy on any increase in flour and roti rates. She assured that Punjab’s wheat production remains secure despite the ongoing floods.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely, stressing that controlled breaching embankments is a necessary step to reduce risks and safeguard communities in flood-hit areas.
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