Record rainfall, multiple monsoon spells: Punjab takes steps to ensure drainage in Pindi: Azma

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said the Punjab government took timely and effective measures to ensure drainage in Rawalpindi despite record rainfall and multiple monsoon spells.

She said drainage operations continued during the different spells of rain without waiting for the rain to stop, while the entire government machinery, from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to WASA’s field workers, remained active on the ground.

Azma Bokhari said accumulation of water following heavy rainfall is a common phenomenon in major cities around the world; the real measure of success is how quickly the accumulated water is drained. She said the Punjab government has developed an effective administrative mechanism and provided modern equipment to ensure that citizens receive relief within the shortest possible time.

She said 990 new vehicles have been provided to WASA on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, which are playing an important role in the rapid drainage of rainwater. She added that drainage operations continue even during heavy rainfall, with the government focused on removing accumulated water rather than waiting for it to drain naturally.

The Information minister said Punjab’s comprehensive pre-monsoon preparations are not merely a claim but a structured administrative exercise. Desilting, cleaning of drains and waterways, deployment of machinery, assignment of field teams and preparation of standard operating procedures are carried out ahead of the monsoon season to ensure an effective response to heavy rainfall.

Azma Bokhari said the drainage system has also been improved in various areas on the directions of the Chief Minister. Markets renovated and rehabilitated across Punjab have been equipped with underground drainage and sewerage systems to improve the disposal of rainwater.

She said the government is also reviewing the situation in Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and other interconnected old markets. If rainwater is flowing towards Raja Bazaar from adjoining markets, the cause will be assessed immediately and necessary emergency measures will be taken.

The provincial minister said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally monitoring drainage operations and continuously seeking reports from the administration regarding water clearance during rainfall. The commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant administrative and WASA officials are present in the field to monitor the situation.

Citing the example of New Lalazar, Azma Bokhari said more than six feet of water accumulated there following heavy rainfall, but WASA and relevant agencies not only drained the water but also rescued citizens requiring assistance. She said the government also shared photographs and videos from the site to present the actual situation and the subsequent water-clearance operation before the public.

She said the Punjab government believes in taking practical measures rather than politicizing sensitive issues such as rainfall and climate change. Pakistan is among the countries severely affected by climate change, and extreme rainfall and cloudburst events are beyond the control of any single government or province. However, mitigating their impact and providing relief to citizens remains the government’s responsibility.

The Information minister said the Punjab government has the capacity to acknowledge any shortcomings wherever they occur and take corrective measures. She added that the government does not wait for the media or anyone else to point out a problem before taking action; the relevant departments independently assess situations and respond accordingly.

Responding to Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon’s statement, Azma Bokhari said Lahore, Gujrat and Rawalpindi have witnessed the heaviest rainfall in their history during the current season, yet the Punjab government managed to clear accumulated water within hours.

“Punjab does not wait for the rain to stop or for water to dry up on its own,” she said, adding that WASA and the administration immediately move into the field on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

She said the chief minister has strengthened the WASA system across Punjab and provided nearly 1,000 new machines, the results of which are visible during every spell of rain.

Azma Bokhari said the media itself can see which government remains active during rainfall and which government disappears when faced with accumulated water. She said that in Sindh, Karachi faces prolonged waterlogging during the rainy season, while those who have been in government for 17 years continue to criticize others instead of improving their own performance.

“Instead of blaming the media, they should focus on their own performance. Even after 17 years, they have not abandoned the habit of shifting the blame for their failures onto others,” she said.

Regarding the situation in Rawalpindi, Azma Bokhari said the monsoon season is still underway and more rainfall is expected in the coming days. The government is fully prepared, and all relevant departments remain on alert to provide relief to citizens. She said the Punjab government’s machinery would remain present on the ground to facilitate citizens regardless of the intensity of rainfall.

She further said that, in connection with a legal matter, the Punjab government has filed a review petition and has the right to place its submissions and reservations before the Honourable Court. She said whatever decision the court reaches will be respected and implemented in accordance with the law.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026