The Punjab government on Thursday imposed Section 144 across the province and declared a state of emergency in several districts after relentless monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding, resulting in over 60 fatalities in the past 24 hours.
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 61 people lost their lives and 268 others were injured as torrential rains inundated vast areas of the province. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that heavy downpours, windstorms, and thunderstorms are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, posing serious risks of further flooding and infrastructure damage.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Punjab Home Department issued a formal notification imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, aimed at preventing loss of life amid rising water levels in dams, rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and low-lying urban areas.
The notification stated that stagnant water in streets, open spaces, and residential neighborhoods poses a grave danger, particularly to children who often attempt to swim or bathe in floodwater. It warned of increased water currents and overflowing water bodies, which heighten the risks of drowning and other fatal accidents.
The order enforces a complete ban on:
Bathing in standing or accumulated rainwater on roads, streets, or open spaces
Swimming in rivers, canals, dams, ponds, and lakes
Boating without authorization in any water body across the province
Authorities stressed that the directive is a preventive measure to protect public safety and will remain in force until weather conditions stabilize.
Emergency response teams remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue across the province.
