Islamabad:
The Government is preparing additional controlled infractions along the Fine-Sukkur (M-5) highway to handle flood waters that threaten Jalpur Pirwala and the surrounding areas, with multiple agencies that work in coordination.
This was revealed during a special meeting on Thursday chaired by the Federal Minister of Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, and attended the Prime Minister of Punjab, Marriyum Aungzeb, provincial ministers, the federal secretary of Communications, the president of the NHA, the Commissioner Fine and the senior officials of Nespak, the Department of Irrigation, Gas de Sui and Water Services.
The authorities reported that the waters of the floods have damaged the M-5 in five points, flooding villages in the districts of fine, Lodhran and Bahawalpur, including Phagal Marhi, Hayatpur, Jhanmp, Soiwala and Muradpur.
The flood has also reached Uch Sharif, immersing nearby settlements such as Jhangra and Basti Mira Chakar Rind. The severe damage forced the closure of the Fine-Uuc Sharif section of the highway, with amusements in place until the water is completed and the repairs are completed. The NHA teams are working 24 hours to restore traffic flow, particularly near Jalpur Pirwala. A technical committee was formed to monitor the situation continuously and recommend appropriate measures.
When heading to the meeting, Minister Aleem Khan said that the waters of the floods had extended up to 20 kilometers on both sides of the highway. “Breaking the highway was not an easy decision, but safeguarding the lives and property of citizens has priority,” he said.
He stressed that protecting the city of Jalpur Pirwala remains the main priority, with the NHA working in close coordination with the Punjab government. “Any decision made by the Punjab government, NHA and other institutions will support it fully,” he added.
