PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Monday demanded the government to declare Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Lawa, Talagang and Khushab as disaster-hit areas after the recent rains and the resultants floods have caused widespread damage in the region.
According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the seasoned politician in a statement noted that the recent weather system had shattered 75-year record and destroyed all the crops besides damaging the businesses and flattening the schools.
Small dams have collapsed. These areas are now disconnected with the rest of the country after roads and bridges were washed, said the former Punjab chief minister who called for compensation to the affected people.
It is worth mentioning that Pervaiz enjoys close linkages with the local influential political families of Chakwal. He emerged victorious from NA-65 covering the Talagang area of Chakwal in 2018 elections. But he opted to vacate the seat as well as NA-69 from Gujrat to retain the provincial seat and become the Punjab Assembly Speaker.
The PML-Q leader made the demand as at least 14 people killed in Chakwal after heavy rains wreaked havoc in the district with more than a dozen mini dams built by farmers collapsing and bridges being washed way.
As the devastating rains hit the area, videos had emerged on social showing the alarming situation in different parts of Chakwal.
https://twitter.com/trimzishah/status/1301127543102283777
Moreover, the situation in Khushab in particular is still worsening with a breach in the canal crossing the Khushab-Rawalpindi has disconnected the city with other areas.
Earlier, the Pakistan Army troops reached Khushab to assist the civil administration in relief and rescue operations following flash floods in the region.