LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said he felt strong concern for the flood-hit people.
 “Despite illness, I can’t ignore difficulties of the calamity-stricken citizens. Soon, I will be among the people of flood-affected areas and I’ll return to round-the-clock work for their rehabilitation,” he said on Thursday.
He said that his illness put off his visit to Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur immediately. However, the chief minister ordered Senior Advisor Senator Zulfiqar Khosa, Minister Ch Abdul Ghafoor, Chief Secretary and other secretaries concerned to immediately reach Dera Ghazi Khan for the relief activates.
He directed the PDMA director general and local administration to ensure provision of food and other items to mitigate flood woes. Shahbaz said that he is personnel monitoring relief activities, and vowed to stand by the calamity-hit people in their hour of need.
Separately, the chief minister expressed his grief and sorrow over the sad demise of noted actor Safeerullah, known as Lehri. His message, Shahbaz said that Lehri was a national asset whose services for the film industry will be remembered for a long time to come. He prayed Allah Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.
RELIEF: Agriculture Minister Malik Ahmed Ali has said the rehabilitation work continued in the flood-affected areas. “Four breaches of DG Khan Canal RD-316, 300, 148 and 322 have been plugged, he said while talking to the calamity-hit people after reviewing rehabilitation work of breaches of DG Khan Canal.
He said heavy machinery had been brought from other districts. He said that after the inquiry of breaches occurred in DG Khan Canal, the persons responsible will be punished.
He said: “Flood is a natural calamity thus instead of political point scoring, rehabilitation be focused.” Ahmed Ali said the possibilities of flood would be minimised by strengthening and raising the banks of DG Khan. Expressing his satisfaction over the pace of work, he asked the residents to cooperate with the administration and take part in the relief activities.
He said 26 flood camps had been set up in the flood affected areas for the protection of animals from diseases besides nine mobile dispensaries were working. He said thousands of animals had been vaccinated so far while sick and injured animals were also being cured. He directed District Livestock Officer and Regional Director to ensure best treatment to animals.