Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed strict action against private boat operators accused of exploiting flood victims by demanding excessive fares.
In a statement on social media platform X, the chief minister confirmed that complaints were received about boat operators overcharging stranded residents in flood-hit regions, particularly Multan and Jalalpur Pirwala. She said immediate action was taken, and several operators were arrested for exploiting vulnerable families.
Maryam Nawaz announced that all private boats will now function under police supervision. She clarified that the Punjab government will bear all operational costs, ensuring that transportation for flood-affected people remains free and safe.
“Flood victims should not be charged for transport. All private boat operators will work under government supervision, and no one will be allowed to exploit people in distress,” her statement read.
The move comes after multiple reports revealed that families stranded in submerged areas were being forced to pay extra for rescue and travel services. Residents of Jalalpur Pirwala and surrounding villages had raised complaints about the unfair practices.
Officials confirmed that the new government directive aims to prevent financial exploitation and ensure free rescue operations. Police have been ordered to strictly monitor all rescue boats in the region.
The Punjab government has also assured that additional resources will be provided to improve rescue operations and speed up the evacuation of families still trapped in waterlogged villages.
This decisive step highlights the provincial government’s efforts to safeguard flood victims and hold exploitative boat operators accountable. By covering transportation costs, the administration aims to ensure relief reaches people without financial burden.
In other news read more about Jalalpur Pirwala Battered by Floods as Chenab River Surges
