The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a weather advisory warning of intense monsoon rains expected across the province on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the heavy rainfall may begin as early as July 5, with southern and central Punjab likely to experience the most severe conditions.
The advisory highlights potential risks to both residents and infrastructure in affected districts.
The PDMA has urged local administrations and the general public to remain alert and take all necessary precautions to minimise weather-related hazards.
Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has specifically advised Muharram procession organizers to enforce strict safety protocols.
He stressed the importance of avoiding congregations on unsafe rooftops and maintaining a safe distance from electric poles and wires to prevent any untoward incidents during the inclement weather.
The DG also advised residents, especially those near rivers and streams, to avoid crossings wherever possible due to the heightened risk of flash floods, particularly in the mountainous regions of Dera Ghazi Khan, where flooding is feared.
Earlier, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province from 1st to 10th Muharram (June 27 to July 6, 2025) due to security concerns during Muharram-ul-Haram.
The measure aims to ensure public safety, maintain religious harmony, and prevent any untoward incidents during the observance of Muharram.
According to a notification, only already-approved processions and religious gatherings (majalis) will be allowed during this period.
No new events or modifications to existing processions will be permitted without prior authorization from the competent authority.
It is worth mentioning here that monsoon rains in Punjab claimed 18 lives including 11 children, while 57 persons were injured in rain-related incidents in 24 hours.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in a factsheet released, said that most of deaths resulted owing to collapse of dilapidated buildings and rooftops.
The rainfall damaged 27 houses, PDMA said. “In the incidents of lightning strike in Khanewal and Okara two persons were killed, while two children electrocuted to death in Mandi Bahauddin,” according to the report.