By Muhammad Ali Zafar
Last year, around the same time, I wrote about the changing weather patterns in Pakistan and how unusual storms, hailstorms and heavy rainfall had become a warning sign of climate change. At that time, many people believed these events were temporary or simply unusual weather. I wrote that climate change was no longer a problem for the future; it had already arrived and was affecting our daily lives. Sadly, one year later, the same story is unfolding again. The only difference is that the damage is becoming greater, and the lessons still seem to be ignored.
As the 2026 monsoon season continues, different parts of Pakistan are once again facing floods, heavy rainfall and widespread destruction. Skardu has experienced flash floods that have damaged roads, homes and public infrastructure. Several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been badly affected by flooding. Lahore, one of the country’s largest cities, witnessed severe urban flooding after only a few hours of rainfall. Streets turned into rivers, traffic came to a standstill, businesses remained closed, and many people were trapped in their homes.
When we look at these events, an important question comes to mind: Is history repeating itself, or have we simply failed to learn from it?
Pakistan has always been vulnerable to climate change, even though our contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is very small. Scientists have warned for years that rising global temperatures would lead to more extreme weather events. We are now seeing these warnings become reality. Heatwaves are becoming longer and hotter. Rainfall has become more unpredictable. Glaciers are melting faster, increasing the risk of flash floods in the northern areas. Farmers are struggling because weather patterns are changing, making it difficult to predict planting and harvesting seasons.
What is worrying is that these events are no longer rare. Every year we describe them as “unprecedented”, but they are happening so often that they are becoming our new normal.
Last year, after heavy rains and storms caused damage across the country, there were many discussions about climate action. Different policies, plans and commitments were announced. We heard promises about improving drainage systems, strengthening disaster management, protecting forests, increasing plantation campaigns and making cities more climate resilient. Many conferences were organised where climate change was discussed in detail. Pakistan also continued to raise its voice on international platforms, asking developed countries to support vulnerable nations that are suffering from climate change.
These commitments sounded encouraging, but today we must honestly ask ourselves: What has changed on the ground?
If our major cities are still flooded after a few hours of rainfall, have we really improved our infrastructure? If roads continue to collapse, drainage systems remain blocked and illegal construction continues on natural waterways, then our response has not matched our promises. Climate policies are important, but they only matter when they are implemented. Reports and meetings alone cannot protect people from floods.
The truth is that climate change is not the only reason behind these disasters. Human activities are making the situation much worse. Rapid urbanisation has replaced green spaces with concrete buildings and roads. Trees continue to disappear while housing societies continue to expand. Natural water channels are blocked by unplanned construction. Waste is thrown into drains, preventing rainwater from flowing properly. These problems may seem small individually, but together they increase the impact of every heavy rainfall.
The people who suffer the most are often those who have contributed the least to the problem. Families lose their homes, farmers lose their crops, children cannot attend school, and small business owners lose their income. Every flood leaves behind financial losses, emotional stress and months of recovery. For many families, rebuilding their lives is not easy.
Every year, we appreciate the efforts of rescue teams, volunteers and local communities who work day and night to help those affected. Their dedication deserves respect. However, disaster management should not begin only after floodwaters have entered people’s homes. Real success lies in preventing disasters from becoming tragedies. Better planning, stronger early warning systems, improved drainage, flood-resistant infrastructure and public awareness can save lives before the damage occurs.
Climate change is often discussed as an environmental issue, but it is much more than that. It affects our economy, our food security, our health, our education and our future development. Every flood means more money spent on rebuilding roads, bridges and public buildings instead of investing in schools, hospitals and economic growth. The cost of ignoring climate change is becoming higher every year.
At the same time, we should not place all responsibility on the government alone. Every citizen has a role to play. Planting trees, reducing pollution, protecting green spaces, avoiding waste in drainage systems, conserving water and adopting sustainable lifestyles are simple actions that can make a difference. Universities, schools, businesses, civil society organisations and the media should all continue promoting environmental awareness throughout the year instead of discussing climate change only after disasters happen.
The 2026 monsoon season should not simply become another chapter in Pakistan’s history of floods. It should become a turning point where we finally decide to act instead of react. Climate change is no longer a warning for future generations; it is a challenge that we are living with today.
Last year, I ended my article by saying that the unexpected storms were a wake-up call. Looking at the situation today, I believe that wake-up call is still ringing. The question is no longer whether climate change is real. The evidence is all around us. The real question is whether we are willing to take meaningful action before next year’s monsoon tells us the same story once again.
History does not repeat itself on its own. It repeats when we fail to learn from it.
Also Read: IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNTAINS AND DREAMS — THE CRY OF THE STUDENTS
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