Punjab to begin flood relief cheque distribution from October 17

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the distribution of financial aid cheques to flood victims starting from October 17.

In a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, the final relief package for flood-affected individuals was approved, along with the plan to begin distributing aid cheques from October 17.

The cabinet decided that families of deceased individuals will receive Rs1 million. Those with permanent disabilities will be given Rs500,000, victims with minor disabilities will receive Rs300,000.

Completely destroyed concrete houses will receive Rs1 million, partially damaged concrete houses will be compensated with Rs300,000, fully destroyed mud houses will get Rs500,000, partially damaged mud houses will receive up to Rs150,000.

Compensation of up to Rs500,000 will be provided for the loss of large livestock, Rs 50,000 for the death of small livestock.

The cabinet also announced a Rs15,000 salary increase for Civil Defence volunteers in recognition of their exceptional services during the floods.

It was further decided that for a 25% crop loss, affected farmers will receive Rs20,000 per acre, and water tax (abiana) and agriculture income tax will be waived in 2,855 villages across Punjab.

During the meeting, the cabinet condemned misinformation campaigns against Punjab and reaffirmed that all flood victims will receive aid, and no construction will be allowed in river pathways.