Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik on Sunday warned that devastating floods have displaced nearly two million Pakistanis, disproportionately affecting the poorest families, and urged the nation to unite in providing urgent support to the victims.
While the flooding has largely impacted rural communities near riverbanks, several urban areas — including parts of Lahore, have also experienced heavy inundation.
Talking to reporters, Malik said, government’s top priority is the poorest people who are in dire need of urgent aid.
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He urged citizens and NGOs to come forward and extend all possible help to the flood-hit people.
Accompanied by NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, he stressed on urgent relief measures including food, medicines, mosquito nets, clean water, water tanks, and temporary power supplies. He also asked authorities to remain vigilant against possible outbreak of epidemics in crowded camps.
Malik said, “Although Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is abroad, he is receiving daily briefings and issuing guidance on relief measures, with the same information shared with Army Chief, Field Marshal General Asim Munir, who is on-site overseeing the relief operations.
This aerial view shows partially submerged residential buildings following the overflowing of the Ravi River in Lahore. Photo: AFP
“The federal government is standing with the provinces, and the Army, Rangers, NDMA, PDMA, and Rescue 1122 are all working together,” Malik said.
He further mentioned, “At flood convergence zones including Head Trimmu, Head Panjnad, and Kot Mithan, authorities are adopting measures to keep water flows under one million cusecs and plan controlled breaches to protect populated areas.”
Malik warned that the Panjnad system may experience water flows up to three million cusecs if floods intensify.
“Climate change is the main cause of torrential rains, flooding and glaciers melting,” Malik said, noting Pakistan emits less than one per cent of global carbon, while the top 8–10 polluters contribute 70 per cent.
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He praised the rapid response by provincial governments and security forces in Narowal, Sialkot, and K-P.
Meanwhile, the NDMA, in collaboration with the provincial authorities, continues to distribute relief good including ration to the displaced people.
Trucks carrying 46kg ration bags—each containing 22 items—have been dispatched to Wazirabad and Hafizabad.
Relief goods have also been sent to Narowal and Sialkot, with preparations underway for Chiniot and Jhang. The NDMA reiterated its commitment to the rehabilitation of flood victims as soon as possible.
