In response to reports of flood victims being charged for boat rescues, the Punjab government has moved to regulate all private boats in flood-affected areas, pledging to cover their operational expenses.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the action reflects the government’s zero-tolerance stance on exploitation during crises. “Charging people for survival is unacceptable. From now on, the government will bear these costs,” she announced at a press briefing in Lahore.
Bukhari confirmed that the Assistant Commissioner of Jallapur Pirwala was removed after mismanagement was reported in rescue work. His replacement, Mukarram Khan, has been tasked with ensuring efficient relief in the flood-stricken tehsil.
She provided updates on relief measures, highlighting that 2.2 million people have been relocated to safe zones and 139 rescue boats are operating in Multan alone. The government has ruled out breaching embankments at Head Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah after technical reviews declared conditions stable.
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The minister also addressed economic concerns, noting that wheat prices had fallen by Rs700 per maund. She instructed authorities to ensure flour is sold at official rates and warned traders against profiteering or hoarding.
Bukhari pushed back against critics who claimed relief operations were lacking. “We correct mistakes immediately and remain focused on relief, not politics,” she said.
The government’s emphasis remains on ensuring victims are not abandoned until rehabilitation is complete. Bukhari reiterated that relief efforts will continue at full scale until all displaced families are safely back in their homes.
