The Punjab government has announced a massive Rs500 billion relief package to support families affected by the recent floods. Millions of people living near the banks of Punjab’s rivers have lost their homes, crops, and livestock in the disaster.
Officials confirmed that payments will be made through Punjab Relief Cards, ensuring that compensation reaches victims directly.
How Much Will Families Receive?
- Families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive Rs1 million.
- Families with partial damage will receive Rs500,000.
- Compensation will also be provided for livestock, including cows and buffaloes.
According to estimates, more than 63,000 brick houses and 309,000 mud houses have been damaged in the floods.
Support for Farmers
Farmers are among the worst affected. Under the relief plan:
- Rs20,000 per acre will be given for destroyed crops.
- A share of the package will also fund the repair of roads, bridges, and key infrastructure.
Punjab’s Disaster Management Authority reported that at least 1.8 million acres of farmland remain underwater. Experts warn the final figure may cross 2.5 million acres, with potential losses of more than Rs1 trillion.
Impact on Crops and Economy
The floods have destroyed:
- 50% of rice production
- 60% of cotton and maize
- Up to 90% of vegetables in some districts
Experts say nearly 10% of Pakistan’s total crops are gone. The losses are being compared with the catastrophic 2022 floods.
The economic cost is high. Punjab’s industrial hubs have also been hit, putting pressure on a fragile recovery. Pakistan had hoped for a 4.2% growth rate in 2026 under the IMF programme, but the damage may derail those projections.
Food Security Concerns
Agriculture experts warn the disaster comes at a critical time as Pakistan prepares to sow wheat, which provides nearly half of the nation’s food supply. Waterlogged fields may delay sowing, raising the risk of food shortages later.
“This is not just about rising prices—food insecurity is looming,” said former University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
Final Words
The Punjab relief package is one of the largest in recent years, aimed at helping families rebuild their lives. But with farmland submerged and key crops destroyed, experts fear that the recovery will take far longer than the financial aid alone can cover.
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