LAHORE: Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi on Thursday set up the ‘Chief Minister Flood Relief Fund’ and allocated Rs5bn for rehabilitation and resettlement of the flood victims of south Punjab.

Talking to various parliamentarians, he said the entire machinery of the Punjab government was busy helping the flood affectees. “On my instructions, the chief secretary is also monitoring the rescue and relief operations in the affected areas,” he said.

The CM added that he was grieved over the loss of life and property in Taunsa, DG Khan and Rajanpur areas. Saying that the Punjab government would arrange every available resource to help the flood-hit people, he urged the philanthropists to also come forward to help the people in need.

Sets up flood relief fund, seeks help from philanthropists

Mr Elahi vowed to take every step to rehabilitate and resettle the victims.

“I have ordered a survey to assess damages as rehabilitation of flood victims is a governmental priority. The Punjab government stands with the victims in their time of need and would not sit idle till the complete resettlement of the victims.”

The CM said that everyone affected by the flood would be given their right and the government would meet this challenge. He reiterated appreciated the cooperation of the Pakistan Army in relief activities, saying that the army always took the lead in helping the people in emergencies.

“I am thankful to Corps Commander Multan as numerous lives were saved due to the support of the Pakistan Army,” he added.

Those who called on the CM included Ghazanfar Abbas Chhina, Shahabuddin Khan, Muhammad Amir Inayat Shahani, Ghazanfar Abbas Shah, Ghulam Ali Asghar Khan Lehri, Gulraiz Afzal Gondal, Taimur Ali Lali, Sardar Muhammad Mohyuddin Khan Khosa, Muhammad Ali Raza Khan Khakwani, Muhammad Ejaz Hussain and Muhammad Ahsan Jahangir at his office on Thursday.

Former federal minister Moonis Elahi and Principal Secretary to CM Muhammad Khan Bhatti were also present.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2022