By Rizwan Tahir Chohan
Pakistan is once again facing the fury of nature. In recent weeks, heavy monsoon rains and sudden cloudbursts triggered deadly flash floods across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Villages washed away, families displaced, crops destroyed, and roads cut off—the scale of destruction is heartbreaking. Yet these disasters are not mere accidents of weather. Instead, they are the clearest sign that climate change is striking Pakistan harder than most countries.
Although Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks among the top five most vulnerable nations. Therefore, the latest floods remind us that the crisis is not a distant threat. Rather, it is happening here and now, reshaping lives, landscapes, and livelihoods.
Rising global temperatures are making rains heavier and more unpredictable. For example, the South Asian monsoon, once spread evenly across the season, now brings sudden and violent downpours. Moreover, cloudbursts—massive rainfall within hours—are becoming frequent in the northern mountains. At the same time, glaciers are melting at record speed, feeding swollen rivers and creating dangerous glacial lakes that may burst without warning. Consequently, this deadly mix of intense rain and fast-melting ice means flash floods are becoming Pakistan’s new normal. Disasters that occurred once a decade now strike almost every other year.
The human cost is unbearable. Floods have killed hundreds and forced millions to abandon their homes. Furthermore, families rooted in one place for generations now live in temporary camps, uncertain about their future. The economic cost is equally grim. Cotton, rice, and sugarcane crops—vital for Pakistan’s economy—lie ruined. Punjab, the country’s food basket, remains submerged in many areas. As a result, food shortages will intensify and prices will soar. In addition, the textile industry, which depends on local cotton, faces major setbacks, threatening exports and jobs.
Health risks add another layer of crisis. Stagnant waters breed mosquitoes, raising fears of dengue and malaria. In fact, contaminated water increases the risk of cholera and other deadly diseases. Thus, in Pakistan, disasters rarely end with the flood itself. Hunger, illness, and poverty follow, multiplying the suffering.
Nature alone is not to blame. On the contrary, human negligence has worsened the situation. Poorly planned cities allow homes and shops on natural drains and riverbeds. Similarly, rampant deforestation leaves hills bare, unable to absorb rain. Old and fragile infrastructure, from dams to drainage systems, collapses under extreme weather. In many cases, disaster response also comes too late. Warnings fail to reach remote villages, and evacuation plans remain weak. Governments repeatedly rush in after destruction, but unfortunately, rarely prepare communities in advance.
Pakistan cannot stop global climate change, but it can reduce the damage. To achieve this, urgent action is needed. Roads, bridges, and embankments must be built flood-resistant. Cities require better drainage and storm-water systems. For instance, rainwater harvesting and recharge wells, like the one piloted in Islamabad’s Kachnar Park, should expand nationwide to turn destructive rains into a resource. Likewise, forests act as natural flood protection. Large-scale tree plantation and watershed management can reduce both floods and landslides. Initiatives like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami must move beyond slogans to real results.
Meanwhile, communities need training and equipment to respond effectively. Even simple measures such as SMS flood alerts, local evacuation drills, and awareness campaigns can save countless lives.
These recent floods and cloudbursts are not isolated tragedies. Instead, they are urgent warnings of what lies ahead if Pakistan ignores the climate emergency. Treating each flood as a routine disaster is dangerous. Therefore, climate resilience is now a matter of national survival. Pakistan cannot afford short-term fixes or photo-op relief operations any longer.
Ultimately, the country must adopt a long-term strategy that blends science, community action, and international support. Otherwise, failure to act will bring even greater destruction, stealing more lives, more homes, and more futures. Climate change is no longer about tomorrow. Indeed, it is here today. Pakistan stands on the frontline of this global crisis, with one clear choice: build resilience now—or face deadlier catastrophes in the years to come.
