Lahore, July 17, 2025: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province amid heavy monsoon rains and rising flood threats, according to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department on Thursday.
Under the emergency directives, all forms of swimming and bathing in rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, and even rainwater accumulated in public spaces such as streets and roads are strictly prohibited. Unauthorized boating in natural water bodies has also been banned. The restrictions will remain in effect until August 30.
The move comes as the province grapples with severe weather that has already claimed 63 lives in the past 24 hours alone, prompting the declaration of a monsoon emergency earlier in the day.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), formally announced the emergency and directed all provincial departments to remain on high alert, citing dangerous weather conditions and the risk of further flooding across multiple districts.
A situation report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) paints a grim picture:
- 103 people have died so far this monsoon season,
- 393 injured,
- 128 homes damaged, and
- six livestock animals lost to flooding and related hazards.
The PDMA is coordinating with local administrations to carry out rescue operations and assess further risks. Relief teams have been deployed in high-risk areas, and citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly adhere to safety instructions.
Authorities warn that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising the possibility of urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable regions.
