LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has lambasted the Maryam-led Punjab government for failure in rainwater drainage, and leaving people stranded in a miserable swamp despite lavish spending of billions of rupees.

PTI Punjab spokesman Shayan Bashir on Friday stated that the torrential rains had exposed the truth behind the Sharif family’s so-called development work. He said the entire province in pictures looked like a swamp during and after the rain, revealing horrifying outcomes of Maryam Nawaz’s government’s poor planning and failure in rainwater management.

The spokesman said people were left helpless, wading through knee-deep filthy water, while roofs leaked, walls collapsed and several houses were completely destroyed.

“Tragically, four people lost their lives, and over 40 were injured, yet the government was nowhere to be seen.”

Mr Bashir said claims of development worth billions of rupees existed only in advertisements while in reality, the whole of Punjab remained submerged by rainwater.

He asked where did the billions in funds go and added that the pictures speak volumes, exposing the truth that all promises were nothing more than ad campaigns. He said Lahore, which was considered the centre of all major construction projects that Shehbaz Sharif once likened to Paris, was completely submerged.

Foreseeing the threat of urban flooding in Lahore, Mr Bashir continued, the PTI had initiated long-term drainage solutions. Under this vision, three underground water storage tanks were constructed and plans for nine more were already in place.

“The first tank at Lawrence Garden was completed in 2020, while the second at Alhamra (Kashmir Road) and another at Aik Moriya Pul were completed in 2022. These projects successfully helped mitigate flooding by storing rainwater and protected the city from major disasters,” he added.

CHIEF SECRETARY: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman held a rain review virtual meeting with all deputy commissioners, emphasising that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility.

In view of flood warning for Mianwali, Layyah and Bhakkar districts, the chief secretary directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure prompt evacuation of residents from vulnerable riverside areas. He also instructed the authority to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of weather patterns, river flows, and dam water levels.

Mr Zaman told the meeting that the finance department had already released the required funds to all districts for emergency and flood response measures.

Citing data from the meteorological department, the chief secretary said the monsoon rainfall was expected to be 20 to 25 per cent above normal this season. Expressing concern over the increased risk of structural collapses during the rainy season, the chief secretary directed all districts to immediately identify and assess dilapidated buildings to prevent loss of life. He also issued instructions for improving urban traffic management during heavy rains.

Earlier, the PDMA director general told the meeting that the rain-related incidents since June 25 had claimed 39 lives and injured 103 people across Punjab. Most fatalities occurred due to the collapse of weakened roofs and structures.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025