{"id":10115,"date":"2025-12-22T10:42:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T10:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=10115"},"modified":"2025-12-22T10:42:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T10:42:02","slug":"hrcp-urges-government-to-prioritize-rehabilitation-of-flood-hit-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/hrcp-urges-government-to-prioritize-rehabilitation-of-flood-hit-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"HRCP urges government to prioritize rehabilitation of flood-hit communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Press release<\/p>\n

HRCP urges government to prioritize rehabilitation of flood-hit communities<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lahore, 22 December 2025<\/em>. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called on the Punjab government to prioritize the welfare of families affected by heavy monsoon floods in South Punjab, many of whom are still struggling to rebuild their homes without adequate assistance as winter sets in.<\/p>\n

A fact-finding mission conducted by HRCP earlier in November to flood-affected areas in South Punjab documented the concerns of families in Basti Lang and Basti Sher Shah in Multan and Basti Jat Khurpa in Uch Sharif. Residents of Basti Lang said that around 300 houses had been destroyed by the floods but complained that government surveys had either not been conducted to assess the damage or had been delayed, as a result of which affected households had not received adequate compensation. The government\u2019s compensation rate of PKR 20,000 per acre was described by one respondent as \u2018adding insult to injury.\u2019<\/p>\n

In Mauza Jat Khurpa, residents alleged that floodwaters from the Sutlej had been deliberately diverted toward their villages to protect nearby urban and influential agricultural interests. Across sites, communities alleged that the distribution of relief and irregularities in damage assessments had been politicized, with one respondent claiming that only those with recommendation slips from legislators had received government relief packages. Highlighting the destruction of orchards and farmland, with some areas still waterlogged, several respondents expressed fear that they would be unable to sow their next crop, thereby jeopardizing their savings.<\/p>\n

HRCP urges the Punjab government to carry out transparent and inclusive damage assessments and provide urgent rehabilitation and housing support. Any officials deemed responsible for irregularities must be held accountable. Importantly, tenant farmers and agricultural workers must be included in all relief and compensation schemes.<\/p>\n

Asad Iqbal Butt
\nChairperson<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>