Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced that flood victims in the province will receive compensation through a new initiative called the “Chief Minister’s Relief Card,” instead of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). This move is aimed at reducing the need for victims to wait in long queues.
Bukhari explained that the BISP was established under a specific law, but for the current flood relief efforts, the CM’s Relief Card would be used to assist affected individuals. She urged that such matters should not be politicized.
Speaking at a press conference, Bukhari praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her team for their tireless efforts in flood-affected areas. She highlighted the personal involvement of the Chief Minister, who visited all flood-hit areas and worked alongside the people. Bukhari also mentioned the tragic deaths of PDMA officer Abdul Rehman and Assistant Commissioner Farhan Ahmed, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Information Minister said that the floods, which began in late August, affected 7,794 villages, impacting 2.6 million people and 2.1 million livestock. She noted that over 2,200 teams were working on the ground to assist flood victims, and that the Punjab government was providing compensation from its own resources, without external aid.
Farmers who suffered losses will receive Rs 20,000 per acre, while those whose homes were completely destroyed will be compensated with Rs 1 million. Partial damage to homes will earn Rs 500,000, with the same amount allocated for losses of livestock.
Bukhari also mentioned ongoing development projects, including the construction of 80,000 houses under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program, which is expected to reach 100,000 by December. She praised the support of the federal government and NDMA during the crisis, while emphasizing the importance of building dams to prevent future water-related disasters in Punjab.
She concluded by criticizing certain political forces for playing politics during the crisis, stating that their actions had left other regions like Sindh in dire conditions. She urged for a more proactive approach in handling natural disasters.
