Muzaffargarh — In the aftermath of the devastating monsoon floods that swept through Muzaffargarh district, the people of Alipur tehsil are now battling a second crisis: theft. As waters recede, displaced families returning to their homes are discovering that what little they left behind has been stolen, solar panels, household goods, even livestock.
Asif Ali, a resident of Alipur, told Independent Urdu that his family fled in September when floodwaters surged through the Head Panjnad area. “We left with just our children and a few essentials. When we came back, our solar panels and valuables were gone,” he said. “Thieves came in boats and looted the empty houses.”
Alipur, along with Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and other parts of Muzaffargarh, was among the worst-hit regions. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently visited the area to distribute relief materials, but locals say the danger hasn’t passed.
Hafeez Ali, another flood victim, described how organized groups now roam the submerged neighborhoods at night. “They come in boats, threaten the watchmen, and take whatever they can find. The floods destroyed us, and now these robbers are finishing the job.”
Police official Rai Shahnawaz from Saitpur station confirmed receiving multiple complaints. “We’ve increased patrols and launched a night watch system. Security is also being tightened around relief camps and roadside settlements,” he said.
Local journalist Allah Dutta Bosan reported that many areas remain inaccessible due to mud and broken infrastructure. “Electricity and communication lines are down. Rescue teams are struggling to reach remote pockets. Meanwhile, the looting continues.”
For families like those of Hafeez and Asif, the fear is constant. One resident explained, “We can’t leave our children alone, and we can’t go back to protect our homes. Our cattle are scattered across cities and slums. We’re suffering twice over.”
According to official figures, over 900 lives have been lost since the monsoon rains began in June. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. But for Alipur’s survivors, the flood was only the beginning.