Pakistan Army called in for flood relief in Narowal

Severe flooding has affected several regions of Punjab due to the release of water from Indian rivers. In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has requested the deployment of military forces in the districts of Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara to ensure the safety of lives and facilitate timely relief efforts.

The district administrations of these six affected areas had formally requested the deployment of military personnel to assist in the ongoing emergency operations. According to the Punjab Home Department, local administrations, along with Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and police, are already on the ground and actively engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

However, due to the potential risks posed by the situation, the provincial government has called upon the military to support the civilian administration and address any unforeseen circumstances. The department has officially sent a request to the Ministry of Interior for the deployment of the armed forces.

The number of military personnel to be deployed will be determined in consultation with district administrations. Additionally, if necessary, army aviation units and other resources will be provided to support relief efforts in the affected areas.

The military is expected to assist in emergency evacuations, reinforce embankments, and provide logistical support where required. The number of troops will be determined in consultation with respective district administrations, the department added.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the Punjab government and all relevant agencies are monitoring the flood situation 24/7 and are utilising all available resources to ensure the protection of public lives and property.

The flooding has been triggered by the discharge of approximately 250,000 cusecs of water from the Ravi River at Kot Nainan, submerging vast tracts of agricultural and residential land. Simultaneously, high water levels in the Dek Nullah have added to the devastation, putting further strain on local relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the local administration in Narowal also sought assistance from the Pakistan Army, as rising floodwaters continue to inundate vast swathes of the region.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, in a post on X, said the situation in Narowal district had reached emergency levels. He confirmed that while the district administration was actively engaged in relief and rescue operations, the gravity of the crisis necessitated the deployment of army personnel.

“The administration is working on the ground, but the severity of the flooding has led us to request the Pakistan Army’s support,” he said. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement in affected areas, and prioritise their safety. The minister also announced that he was heading to Narowal to assess the situation on the ground.

Chenab flow tops 900,000 cusecs

Sialkot is reeling under a burgeoning flood crisis after monsoon deluges and upstream discharges from India significantly raised water levels in the Chenab River.

At the Head Marala barrage, inflows have now exceeded 900,000 cusecs — a surge matching 2014’s record, prompting an emergency military deployment.

Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali confirmed that 405 mm of rainfall has been received to date. In light of the escalating water levels, all schools in the district were ordered closed on August 27.

Residents have been instructed to stay indoors, avoid travel, and steer clear of nullahs and low-lying areas. Authorities have also imposed Section 144 to enforce movement restrictions.

Although the Head Marala barrage has a design capacity of 1.1 million cusecs, current inflows have overtaken the threshold of 900,000 cusecs — recalling levels last seen in the devastating floods of 2014.

Localities such as Khanki and surrounding villages are now facing imminent risk, with the NDMA directing immediate evacuations.

An official from the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the situation as “extremely serious,” emphasizing that timely deployment of the armed forces would help protect lives and property.

Moreover, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that the province —including the major city of Lahore—is facing a “very high to exceptionally high” flood danger, driven by heavy monsoon rains and India’s decision to discharge water from two dams.

According to the PDMA, India had opened all gates of the Thein Dam, releasing surplus water into the Ravi. This development followed a warning issued the previous day regarding a possible discharge from the rapidly filling Madhopur Dam, also affecting the Ravi River system.

Read More: PM orders swift evacuations as floods impact Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab

“The flood situation is grave,” said Irfan Ali Kathia, an official with Punjab’s disaster management authority. “The next 48 hours will be critical.”

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) previously assessed that satellite imagery showed the Thein Dam was already 97% full—a level at which water discharge becomes imminent.

India regularly conducts such releases when reservoirs surpass capacity; however, the proximity of the two nuclear-armed nations and lingering post-conflict tensions have heightened sensitivities. Any floods blamed on Indian actions could further strain fragile relations.

An Indian government source clarified that the second alert did not reference a specific dam. Intense rainfall, the source added, had prompted renewed communication with Pakistan via diplomatic channels, ostensibly on humanitarian grounds to help avert a disaster affecting both countries.

PMD forecasts persistent rain, flood risks

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts widespread rain, wind and thundershowers on Wednesday in northeast Punjab and Kashmir, with isolated rainfall expected elsewhere in central and southern Punjab, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast and south Balochistan.

Heavy downpours may trigger landslides and mudslides in hilly areas of Kashmir—including Rawalakot, Poonch, and Mirpur—and urban flooding in low-lying cities like Narowal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Lahore.

Residents have been urged to stay cautious as intense weather may impact weak structures, poles, billboards, and vehicles.

In response to the escalating threat, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police, Dr Usman Anwar, placed the police force on high alert. He directed teams across the province to assist in rescue and evacuation operations—particularly in low-lying and flood-prone villages bordering rivers and streams.

Supervisory officers (RPOs and DPOs) have been personally tasked with overseeing ground efforts, coordinating closely with district administrations and rescue agencies.

Regular patrolling is underway in affected areas, and police are ensuring the safety of relief camps and flood-displaced individuals. “The protection of lives, property and essential belongings of citizens will be ensured at all costs,” the IGP stated.

Since the monsoon began in late June, flood-related deaths in Pakistan have reached 802, with nearly half occurring in August alone. Other regions are similarly affected; Gilgit-Baltistan is grappling with accelerated glacial melt, and Karachi was partially submerged by flash floods last week.