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LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fresh warning about possible flooding in several parts of the province as the fourth spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5. The authority said that water levels in most of Punjab’s major rivers remain within the normal range. However, low and moderate flooding has been reported at a few locations, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. According to the latest monitoring report, the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers are flowing normally. In contrast, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at the Kalabagh and Chashma stations due to an increase in water discharge. Officials also reported moderate flooding at Nala Palkhu near Wazirabad, while low-level flooding has been observed in Nala Basantar and Nala Bein in Narowal district. Water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, however, remains within safe limits. The PDMA warned that continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas could raise water levels in eastern rivers and seasonal streams over the next few days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have directed district administrations to stay prepared for any emergency. PDMA Director General Saif Anwar said there is a possibility of urban flooding in major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, if heavy rainfall continues. He also cautioned that hilly areas such as Murree and the Galiyat region could face landslides because of persistent rain. Residents living near riverbanks, seasonal streams and other flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to safer places without delay. Rescue and emergency teams have been instructed to remain on standby to respond to any developing situation. The Punjab government has established flood relief camps in vulnerable areas to provide shelter and assistance to affected families if required. Authorities have also urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Lahore: The Punjab Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department has ordered an inquiry against five medical superintendents over the issuance of handwritten Medico-Legal Certificates (MLCs) and Post-Mortem Reports (PMRs), despite mandatory procedures requiring the documents to be generated through a computerized system. The action follows serious concerns raised by a Lahore High Court Division Bench regarding the continued issuance of handwritten medico-legal documents at several teaching hospitals across Punjab. According to an official departmental order issued on August 2, 2026, a meeting was held at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on July 8 to examine the issue. The meeting reviewed records showing that several hospitals had issued handwritten MLCs and PMRs during the preceding months in violation of established standard operating procedures. The hospitals identified in the departmental record include Nishtar Hospital Multan, Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital Sialkot, Dr Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital Sargodha, Services Hospital Lahore and Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan. The highest number of handwritten MLCs was reported at Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital Sialkot, where 1,243 such certificates were issued, along with 43 handwritten PMRs. Nishtar Hospital Multan reportedly issued 816 handwritten MLCs and 182 handwritten PMRs. Dr Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital Sargodha recorded 735 handwritten MLCs and 48 PMRs, while Services Hospital Lahore issued 680 handwritten MLCs. At Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan, the record showed 768 handwritten MLCs and 10 handwritten PMRs. The department said the available record provided sufficient grounds for proceedings against the concerned officers under Section 3 of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006. The allegations relate to alleged misconduct and inefficiency in the discharge of official responsibilities. Among the officers facing inquiry is Dr Rao Amjad Ali Khan, former Medical Superintendent of Nishtar Hospital Multan. The issue has also raised questions about the responsibility of officials and staff working in forensic and medico-legal departments. Questions have emerged over how handwritten reports continued to be issued despite the availability of a mandatory computerized system. Computerization of MLCs and PMRs was introduced to improve transparency, maintain reliable records and reduce the possibility of alteration or manipulation of sensitive medico-legal documents. Such reports can play an important role in criminal investigations and court proceedings. The inquiry is expected to establish why the prescribed digital system was bypassed, identify officials responsible for the violations and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted. The department will also examine the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the handwritten reports and the role of the relevant hospital administrations.