Web Desk: Meteorological authorities warned that a powerful monsoon system is expected to enter the country from July 29, raising the risk of urban flooding and swelling rivers across the northern and central regions, while Punjab imposed emergency restrictions to prevent weather-related accidents.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the incoming weather system is likely to affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper catchment areas of major rivers.
Although the department ruled out the possibility of flood-generating rainfall before July 28, it cautioned that the approaching monsoon spell could significantly increase water levels in rivers, hill torrents and seasonal streams from Tuesday onward.
The Flood Forecasting Division said the overall river situation remained stable despite rising water flows at Marala on the Chenab River and Balloki on the Ravi River.
Meanwhile, the Indus, Jhelum and Kabul rivers continued to flow at low flood levels. Authorities also forecast additional increases in water levels in the Chenab and Ravi over the next 24 hours, while low-level flooding along the Indus is expected to persist during the following 48 hours.
Rainfall continued across parts of Punjab over the past day, with Noorpur Thal recording the highest precipitation at 115 millimetres. Gujranwala received 107 mm, while Gujrat recorded 94 mm.
In response to the ongoing monsoon conditions, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province for 60 days, prohibiting swimming, bathing and unauthorised boating at water bodies to reduce the risk of drowning and other accidents.
A notification issued by the Punjab Home Department also banned bathing in accumulated rainwater at open and public places. Swimming in dams, rivers, canals, lakes and ponds, as well as unauthorized boating in dams, rivers, canals and distributaries, has also been prohibited.
The department said the restrictions were imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, citing deteriorating weather conditions and the need to safeguard public lives.
The provincial home secretary instructed district administrations and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the order. Officials were also directed to launch a public awareness campaign to inform residents about the restrictions.
Separately, Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Umar Mela visited Ferozwala tehsil and Muridke to assess flood protection measures following recent monsoon rains.
Officials briefed him on the condition of protective embankments, repair work, water management, urban flooding and drainage operations.
Mela instructed the relevant departments to accelerate repairs to damaged embankments and improve drainage efforts to restore normal conditions in affected areas.
He also visited flood-hit villages and relief camps, where he met displaced residents and reviewed arrangements for food supplies, clean drinking water, medicines and other essential services.
Calling for stronger coordination among the district administration, Rescue 1122, the Irrigation Department and other agencies, Mela said protecting lives and property remained the Punjab government’s highest priority.
He warned that negligence in safety and relief operations would not be tolerated and ordered authorities to intensify door-to-door awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities. He also directed officials to ensure safe evacuation plans for women, children, older people and other at-risk residents.
In addition, Mela ordered authorities to keep rescue boats, emergency equipment, relief camps, personnel and evacuation plans fully operational in vulnerable areas.
He said advance preparations had already been completed on the instructions of the Punjab chief minister and that all relevant institutions were prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the anticipated monsoon spell.
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