Pakistan Army Standing with People in Flood Crisis: DG ISPR

Speaking to the media alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and NDMA Chairman, the DG ISPR said that over 20,000 people have been treated at medical camps, while 225 tons of food rations have been distributed among flood victims.

He added that bridges and major roads in affected areas have been restored. All routes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been cleared, while rescue operations with boats are ongoing in Kartarpur. In Gilgit-Baltistan, air relief operations are under way, and the Karakoram Highway has been reopened. Road restoration in Ghizer is also progressing.

Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed that the Pakistan Army stands with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan during this difficult time. He said the Army has set up 29 medical camps and continues counter-terrorism operations to ensure that no hostile elements exploit the situation.

“Officers and soldiers remain fully committed to rescue and relief efforts. No force can create a divide between the people and the armed forces of Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, has warned that pressure on rivers in Punjab is likely to increase due to ongoing rains and flooding.

Speaking at a press conference, he said Pakistan is experiencing the eighth spell of heavy rainfall in 2025. More than 300 mm of rain has been recorded around Jammu and nearly 600 mm near Sialkot.

The NDMA chief explained that floodwaters have entered Pakistan through the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers.

• The Chenab River at Head Marala reached 700,000 cusecs, now reduced to 550,000 cusecs.

• At Head Khanki, a discharge of 1 million cusecs is creating pressure on Qadirabad. Authorities may create a controlled breach to release water.

• At Ravi Jesar, water flow is 230,000 cusecs, pushing pressure toward Shahdara and Barki.

He added that more rain is expected in Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujranwala within the next 24 hours, which could increase river pressure further.

The NDMA chief also said India has released water from its dams into the Sutlej, where heavy rainfall has already occurred. A flood of around 250,000 cusecs is passing through Ganda Singh, similar to the 2023 flood.

So far, about 200,000 people living along the Sutlej River have been evacuated with the help of the Pakistan Army, PDMA, and rescue agencies. Relief efforts include moving people to safe areas and providing medical support.

Lt Gen Malik stressed that saving lives is the top priority, and the Army Chief has already directed military units to assist in the operations.