ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit the flood-affected areas of Narowal and Sialkot today, where he will be briefed on the relief operations.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will be accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and federal ministers.
Sources said that federal ministers Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal will also join the Prime Minister in the visit to the flood-affected areas.
The Prime Minister will first conduct an aerial inspection of the affected areas.
After the aerial inspection, the Prime Minister will be given a detailed briefing on the ongoing relief operations in the affected areas and the rehabilitation of the victims.
Sources said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s proposed visit to Gilgit has been canceled.
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday warned that the rising floodwater levels could damage the Qadirabad headworks on the Chenab River.
In a recent statement, PDMA said that the Head Qadirabad River is under severe pressure and at risk of collapse. “If the headworks collapse, the districts of Hafizabad and Chiniot will be severely affected,” it added.
According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, water flow at Qadirabad Headworks has surged to 1,077,000 cusecs, far beyond its designed capacity of 800,000 cusecs.
He stated that water pressure due to the extremely high-level flood continues at Head Qadirabad is eroding the left embankment, creating the risk of a major crack.
Machinery and staff have been deployed to strengthen the structure, he said, adding that rescue officials have ordered the immediate evacuation of nearby villages, with Punjab Police instructed to assist.
“Teams from the district administration and irrigation department are present at the scene,” the statement added.
