Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has revealed that Punjab’s economy has suffered damages worth Rs. 500 billion due to the devastating floods.
Speaking at a relief distribution ceremony in Bhinyan, the minister said that the initial estimates suggest Punjab sustained massive destruction across millions of acres of agricultural land, with 4.3% of cultivated area destroyed and more than 4.5 million people affected.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the floods have once again pushed the country backwards in terms of agriculture and economy. However, he underlined that the government would rely on self-sufficiency rather than foreign aid or loans, signaling a firm goodbye to the traditional “begging bowl” approach.
The minister further emphasized that the 2025 floods are a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present-day reality. He said the distribution of relief goods is not just about assistance but also a message of solidarity and hope for the affected people.
Relief Commissioner’s Statement
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Relief Commissioner reported that the floods have impacted 4,700 villages and claimed 104 lives so far. He also disclosed that an emergency meeting of the agricultural departments of all four provinces has been convened to coordinate relief and rehabilitation measures.
Additionally, a fresh monsoon alert has been issued for the 11th spell, starting tomorrow, with heavy rainfall expected in upper Punjab and warnings of flash floods in rivers and streams.
