By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – In response to the catastrophic flooding that has devastated large parts of Punjab, the Rural Community Development Program (RCDP) and the Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) have jointly set up a Flood Relief Camp in Lahore. The camp is providing free medical check-ups, essential medicines, and cooked food to more than 200 displaced families struggling with immense loss.
Mr. Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar, CEO of RCDP and Founding Director of RCDS, underscored the severity of the crisis. “This is not just a flood—it is a humanitarian catastrophe. People have lost everything: their homes, belongings, livestock, and means of income. The damage extends beyond human suffering to infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock. The economic repercussions will be long-lasting, threatening food security and livelihoods throughout the region,” he said.
He particularly highlighted the devastation to agriculture—the backbone of Punjab’s economy—which could push already vulnerable communities further into poverty. He also drew attention to the loss of livestock, a vital economic resource for rural families. “When a family loses its animals, it isn’t just losing assets—it’s losing its future,” he explained.
Calling for unity in the face of such widespread devastation, Mr. Khokhar urged people to rise above race, religion, and political divides. “A natural disaster does not discriminate, and our response must be equally universal. By pooling our resources, compassion, and strength, we can rescue those in danger, support the displaced, and walk together on the long road to recovery,” he added.
The relief camp is part of a wider humanitarian mission by RCDP and RCDS, which includes distributing food and medical supplies and deploying teams to the hardest-hit districts.
Mr. Qaiser Iqbal and Ms. Shazia Nawaz also visited the camp to oversee operations and personally meet with affected families. They praised the dedication of the relief teams and pledged full support for ongoing rehabilitation work.
In his closing appeal, Mr. Khokhar said: “No single organization can tackle a disaster of this magnitude alone. We urgently call on individuals, institutions, donor agencies, and volunteers to contribute—whether through financial donations, medical aid, supplies, or their time. Every effort counts.”
The floods have left a trail of destruction—displacing families, submerging homes, and wiping out crops and livestock. For many, recovery will be a long and difficult journey. The relief camp will continue operations as long as necessary, ensuring support reaches those most in need.
