Muhammad Saleem

The Punjab government will waive agricultural taxes for farmers in flood-affected areas and provide relief on their utility bills.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that approximately two million people in Punjab have been displaced due to the floods. Resettling all displaced families in their homes is a massive task for the government, and the provincial administration will make every effort to prepare a comprehensive compensation package for them.

He said that the losses caused by the floods are colossal, and the Punjab and federal governments will work jointly to resettle the displaced families. “Once all the floodwater recedes, the total damage will be assessed, and the Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, will immediately begin working on a compensation package.”

Talking about provincial tax relief, he said that the government will not leave people at the mercy of nature and that relief will be provided on taxes. For instance, he mentioned that the government will not collect agricultural taxes from farmers whose crops and orchards have been destroyed in the floods. Instead, some compensation will be provided for their losses, he added.

Prior to the floods, he said, the government had been working for the well-being of farmers and had announced various support packages. Since taking office, the CM has unveiled several initiatives for farmers over the past year, including the Green Tractor Scheme and the Kisan Card, he added.

The minister said that agricultural machinery support is also available for farmers, and several farm supply centers have been established in some districts where all agriculture-related supplies can be accessed in one place.

Urea prices have been brought under control, after being unbridled during the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government, when unscrupulous elements heavily black-marketed it. Now, fertilizers are more affordable, and high-quality seeds are being provided to farmers to improve crop quality, he remarked.

He added that in Lahore and Sheikhupura, almost all camps have been wound up. Only a few remain in Sheikhupura, and people now go there mainly for meals. He said that most people have returned to their homes. Similarly, in Lahore, only one or two camps remain open, while the rest have been closed as the water recedes.

“The floodwater has now moved toward South Punjab. Once it passes through Punjab from Multan, the Chief Minister will announce which sectors and areas will receive assistance and how help will be provided.” He said that infrastructure has suffered heavy damage, and significant funds will be required for repairs. Some funds may need to be diverted temporarily, but a full assessment will be conducted once the water recedes.

Preparation for next year is also crucial, as forecasts predict 20–22% higher rainfall. The government will act immediately to implement preventive measures. The primary goal is to save as many people as possible, he explained. “From my experience, I know that people need cash immediately when returning home after floods. They need financial help to repair items like broken utensils, charpoys, or chairs and to buy basic food supplies.

Currently, a large amount of ration is being supplied, and district management teams, including DCs and Assistant Commissioners, are delivering dry ration so people can start cooking at home.” He added that he believes the CM will announce the full package within a week to ten days after the flood passes. Once the complete assessment is done, it will be decided how much assistance will be given to which areas – more to the severely affected regions and less to those less affected.

Mr. Rehman said that the federal government is also monitoring the situation. Given the extent of the damage this time, both federal and provincial governments will jointly review the losses.

Credit: INP-WealthPk