PPP Chairman and Federal Minister Reviews Rain-Affected Areas in Islamabad

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed concern over urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, stressing the need for immediate measures to protect residents of low-lying areas. He said providing timely assistance to affected people should be the government’s foremost responsibility and that no citizen should be left helpless during an emergency. Bilawal maintained that the protection of citizens’ lives and property must remain above political considerations, noting that rain and flooding do not distinguish between provinces, cities or political affiliations. He called for sustainable solutions instead of political point-scoring and symbolic measures.

Federal Minister Tarek Fazal Chaudhry visited rain-affected areas of Islamabad to assess the situation following heavy rainfall and review drainage arrangements. Officers from the district administration and local PML-N leadership accompanied the minister during the visit. Chaudhry directed authorities to immediately drain accumulated rainwater from low-lying areas and roads and take all necessary measures to restore traffic flow and ensure public convenience. He acknowledged that overflowing drains had caused difficulties for residents and instructed local party leaders to remain present in affected areas, identify public problems and coordinate their immediate resolution. “The government stands with the people in this difficult hour,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched an operation against illegally constructed shops in Islamabad’s E-11 sector following damage caused by accumulated rainwater. Four allegedly illegal shops near the E-11 Bridge were demolished in the presence of Islamabad Police and CDA personnel. Shopkeepers protested the action, claiming that their belongings had been placed on the road and questioning why the CDA had not acted earlier if the shops were illegal.