Assistant commissioner dies on flood duty, leaving questions over relentless pressure

Assistant Commissioner Pattoki Furqan Ahmed was found dead in a rest house during Punjab flood operations. Authorities cite extreme work pressure, highlighting the human cost of relentless disaster management duties.

By News Desk

PATTOKI — The body of Assistant Commissioner Pattoki, Furqan Ahmed, was recovered from a government rest house on Sunday, raising concerns over the extreme pressures faced by officials working on Punjab’s flood operations.

Police confirmed that Ahmed had been supervising relief activities in flood-hit areas and had been staying at the Head Baloki rest house for the past five days, sleeping and working on site without pause.

Initial reports suggest that Ahmed may have suffered a fatal heart attack during duty. Police also indicated that he had been under intense mental and physical stress, which could have contributed to his sudden death.

His body was discovered in the rest house bathroom before being shifted to a hospital for medical examination. While police sources pointed to a collapse under stress, rest house staff claimed his death was due to a ruptured artery.

The tragedy highlights the immense strain on frontline officers engaged in flood relief efforts, many of whom are working around the clock amid rising waters and ongoing displacement of communities in Punjab.

Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, expressed deep grief over Ahmed’s passing, stating:

“Assistant Commissioner Furqan Ahmed was performing his duty with exceptional dedication at Head Baloki. His services will always be remembered.”

As Punjab battles devastating floods, Ahmed’s death underscores the unseen toll of relentless disaster management duties on public servants.