ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s monsoon situation, disaster-response operations, rehabilitation needs and preparations for future climate emergencies.
The minister also serves as Convener of the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee on Monsoon Preparedness 2026.
Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), WAPDA, federal and provincial departments, district administrations and other relevant institutions attended the meeting.
Government Reviews Monsoon Response
Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the coordination among federal, provincial and district authorities. He said the whole-of-government approach had helped reduce the impact of seasonal abnormalities.
These included heavy rainfall, urban flooding, heatwaves and drought-like conditions.
The minister stressed that Pakistan must now shift from emergency responses to long-term disaster preparedness.
Preparations for Monsoon 2027 Begin
Iqbal directed the NDMA, PDMAs and relevant departments to begin preparations for Monsoon 2027 immediately.
He explained that effective flood-prevention measures require eight to ten months. Authorities need this time for technical assessments, planning, approvals, financing and execution.
“Last-minute emergency interventions cost more and deliver less. We must replace reactive measures with proactive planning, climate-resilient infrastructure and clearly assigned institutional responsibility,” he said.
District-Wise Flood Damage Audit
The minister ordered a comprehensive district-wise audit of areas affected by floods in 2022, 2025 and the current season.
PDMAs, irrigation departments, communication and works departments, district administrations and federal agencies will jointly conduct the audit.
Iqbal noted that many bridges, culverts, drains and flood-disposal structures date back several decades. He said these structures can no longer handle challenges intensified by climate change.
In several areas, undersized bridges and culverts restrict water flow. Meanwhile, drainage systems designed for much smaller volumes now overflow and flood entire settlements.
The audit will also identify encroachments and other obstructions in floodplains and around protective infrastructure.
Green Channel for Flood Protection
Iqbal directed authorities to process technically viable and urgent flood-protection schemes through a Green Channel.
The measure will allow officials to speed up approvals and funding for critical projects identified through the audit.
The minister also asked provincial governments to assess post-flood recovery and prepare detailed roadmaps.
These plans must cover two areas: preventive measures before the next monsoon and rehabilitation of outstanding damage so affected communities can return to normal life.
Authorities must complete the initial audit within one month. A time-bound action plan will follow for provincial and federal agencies, with implementation reviewed every quarter.
Plastic Waste Adds to Urban Flooding
The Committee also discussed plastic waste as a major cause of urban flooding.
Polythene bags and solid waste often accumulate in drains. During heavy rainfall, these blockages restrict water flow through culverts, bridges and drainage outlets.
Iqbal called for a nationwide awareness and behaviour-change campaign. He also urged effective enforcement of restrictions on polythene bags.
However, he said enforcement must accompany a carefully planned transition across the plastic supply chain. This should cover imports, manufacturing, retail use and waste management.
Authorities should also promote affordable biodegradable alternatives to protect both the environment and livelihoods.
“By throwing plastic into drains, people are mercilessly clogging the arteries of our cities,” he remarked.
Monsoon 2026 Enters Withdrawal Phase
The Committee learned that Monsoon 2026 had entered its withdrawal phase. No significant monsoon system was currently expected to affect Pakistan.
Northern areas could receive light rainfall because of western disturbances. Meanwhile, Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab were likely to remain dry.
Rainfall deficits of more than 60 per cent in parts of Sindh and Balochistan have created serious water stress. Above-normal temperatures are also expected to continue.
During October and November, western disturbances could bring normal to above-normal rainfall to northern Pakistan. This may also improve air quality.
Sindh and much of Balochistan are expected to remain comparatively dry. Temperatures could stay above normal across the country.
River flows remained normal, with no riverine flooding reported.
181 Deaths Reported During Monsoon
The Committee reviewed incidents in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan.
The incidents included landslides, road blockages, house collapses and localised flooding.
The cumulative monsoon toll reported to the Committee stood at 181 deaths and 515 injuries. Around 1,740 houses or structures were damaged.
An initial analysis found that house collapses caused 95 deaths, accounting for around 52 per cent of the total fatalities.
NDMA Reviews Housing Reconstruction
The NDMA told the meeting that it was conducting a technical assessment of vulnerable housing.
The authority has also shared reconstruction models with provincial governments.
A low-cost and environmentally sustainable reconstruction programme is expected to begin within the next two to three months.
Meanwhile, authorities have dispatched approximately 640 tonnes of relief assistance to affected areas. The supplies include tents, food and camp materials.
Pakistan Sends Aid to Nepal
The meeting also received a briefing on Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to Nepal.
Pakistan dispatched 100 tonnes of relief supplies, including family tents, blankets, hygiene items and medicines.
Monsoon Closure Report Ordered
Ahsan Iqbal directed the NDMA to prepare a comprehensive Monsoon 2026 closure report by the third week of September.
The report will document all Committee meetings, decisions and response operations. It will also include lessons learned, institutional gaps and progress on the minister’s directives.
Focus Shifts to Anticipatory Planning
Concluding the meeting, Iqbal stressed the need for a major shift in Pakistan’s disaster-management approach.
He called for greater emphasis on anticipatory planning, technology-enabled forecasting, climate-resilient infrastructure and accountable rehabilitation.
The minister said Pakistan must strengthen its preparedness before disasters strike rather than relying primarily on emergency action after a crisis begins.
