Maryam says Punjab faced floods without aid; payouts start in 15 districts

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Monday that her government managed flood relief without appealing for external assistance, asserting that the province would rehabilitate affected communities with its own resources.

Speaking at a ceremony in Okara to distribute flood cards, Maryam announced the formal launch of the recovery phase and said damage assessment was 70% complete. She added that cheque disbursement had begun in 15 districts and that safeguards were in place to prevent misuse.

Outlining the package, the chief minister said Rs100 billion had been earmarked for relief. Families whose houses were destroyed would receive Rs1 million, while those with partial damage would get Rs500,000. Families of deceased victims would also be compensated with Rs1 million, and farmers would be paid Rs20,000 per acre for crop losses.

She said mobile hospitals for people and livestock were deployed at the height of the crisis and that 1,700 rescue teams were mobilised. According to Maryam, 72 camps have been set up and 71,000 bank accounts opened for beneficiaries, who can withdraw Rs50,000 at payment counters and up to Rs300,000 daily via ATM cards.

Maryam framed her remarks as a response to political criticism over seeking international assistance, stressing that the provincial response would avoid discrimination among cities and focus on transparency and speed.