Punjab Seeks Army’s Assistance as Six Districts Face Severe Flood Emergency

LAHORE:The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Pakistan Army troops in six districts of the province as devastating floods continue to affect major rivers. The Home Department has written to the Federal Interior Ministry seeking military assistance in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara.

According to the Home Department, the army has been called in to assist civil administration and protect lives as Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and police are already engaged in emergency operations. The number of army units for each district will be decided in consultation with local administrations. The request also includes provision of Army Aviation and other resources in flood-hit areas as needed.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that Narowal district is facing a critical situation, with floodwaters from the Ravi River inundating large areas after a discharge of 250,000 cusecs at Kot Naina. He added that the Dek Nullah is also experiencing dangerous flooding. “Rescue operations are underway, but given the gravity of the situation, assistance from the army has been sought,” Iqbal said.

He urged people to remain alert, avoid unnecessary risks, and ensure their safety. The minister also announced that he is personally visiting Narowal to review the situation.

The crisis follows India’s release of 200,000 cusecs of water into the Ravi River, compounded by continuous rains that have swelled the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej. At Head Marala, the Chenab has reached an extremely high flood level with inflow recorded at 696,534 cusecs, while at Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River has swelled to 245,236 cusecs, also at an extremely high flood level, according to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore.