Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, distributed 1,000 winter blankets donated by China among flood-affected villagers in Narowal, saying the support reflects the “enduring bond between Pakistan and China”. Speaking to a large gathering of women and men seated in the courtyard, Ahsan Iqbal said the donation was arranged especially for families whose belongings were lost during this year’s floods, according to Gwadar Pro.

“These blankets that we are distributing amongst you today are a gift from the people of China for those whose blankets and other belongings were damaged in the flood, so they can protect themselves from the cold,” he told villagers. Iqbal thanked China for its continued assistance. “Whenever some tough time comes on Pakistan, Chinese people always consider the grief of Pakistan their own,” he said. “We are proud of our friendship with China.”

Alongside winter relief, Iqbal said his team has provided canola seeds for nearly 5,000 acres of farmland in areas where crops were damaged, adding that the seeds were procured through private organisations and individual donors rather than government funds.

“This is not from the government,” he underlined, saying many farmers lacked resources to sow wheat this season. At the event, women wrapped in winter shawls queued to receive the “We Care” branded blankets, while officials and community elders assisted the distribution.

Some families said the aid would help them cope with harsh nights as many homes remain partially repaired.

Pakistan suffered severe monsoon flooding in 2025, with the National Disaster Management Authority reporting heavy losses across Punjab, including Narowal, where agricultural land, homes and livestock were inundated. The disaster affected millions nationwide, leaving thousands of families struggling to rebuild livelihoods months after the waters receded.

Iqbal said that while reconstruction will take time, targeted winter support and agricultural assistance are steps toward helping families recover and resume farming activities in the coming season.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China