The Rawalpindi deputy commissioner on Thursday declared a local holiday in the city following torrential rainfall, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to
“Due to heavy rainfall and in view of evacuation alerts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Government of Pakistan I, Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, deputy commissioner, Rawalpindi declare local holiday in Rawalpindi district including cantonment areas on 17.07.2025 (Thursday),” read a notification. It said emergency and relief operations and their offices would remain operational.
In a posting on X sharing the notification, the deputy commissioner’s office urged the public to not leave their homes unnecessarily.
Local media reported the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade if the situation continues to worsen. The PMD has already warned that the downpour is expected to continue throughout the day. The Punjab government has already declared a rain emergency and placed Rescue 1122 on high alert.
Amidst the ongoing rainfall, the water level of Nullah Leh has risen by 22 feet, triggering evacuation orders for nearby localities. Additionally, Chakwal experienced a cloudburst of at least 400mm of rainfall, inundating low-lying areas. A small dam has also collapsed, raising fears of flooding in nearby areas and prompting rescue operations to evacuate citizens to safer places.
The ongoing rainfall across Punjab has also flooded rivers and canals in the province, with Jhelum calling in the Army to rescue those trapped in floodwaters.