BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab government has distributed Rs6.39 billion among flood-affected people across the province as part of the Rs100bn Punjab Chief Minister Flood Rehabilitation Programme. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced the initiative while addressing a ceremony to distribute ATM cards to flood victims at Jinnah Stadium, Khairpur Tamewali, on Thursday.
Aurangzeb said the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had completed 90 per cent of the flood assessment survey, covering data from over 569,000 victims. Verification of 463,000 victims by deputy commissioners has also been completed to ensure transparency in the compensation process. Each eligible beneficiary will receive Rs50,000 in cash along with an ATM card issued by the Bank of Punjab.
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According to an official statement, 98,000 ATM cards have been prepared so far, and 37 camp sites have been set up in 27 flood-hit districts to facilitate payments. The first phase of compensation began on Oct 20 in 13 districts, while the second phase will commence on Nov 3 for the remaining areas. Flood rehabilitation camps have also been established in Bahawalnagar, Depalpur, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, Muzaffargarh, Chiniot, and Khairpur Tamewali.
The minister revealed that Rs20bn had already been transferred to the Bank of Punjab for the rehabilitation programme, with Rs11bn credited to victims’ accounts. She added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was personally monitoring the process to ensure timely assistance, noting that the relief operations began within a record 26 days.
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Aurangzeb emphasized that the Punjab government would continue to support flood survivors until their complete rehabilitation. She was accompanied by provincial ministers, senior officials of PDMA, and local administration representatives at the ceremony.