By Pir Ghulam Nabi Shah Jillani
Every year, as dark clouds gather over Pakistan and the monsoon winds begin to sweep across the country, millions of people prepare themselves for a season that brings both hope and fear. Rain remains essential for agriculture, water supplies and the survival of communities, but for many citizens it has also become a recurring warning of destruction. Once again, heavy monsoon rains have turned into a national emergency, exposing the deep weaknesses in Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and urban planning systems.
The latest spell of torrential rainfall has claimed more lives, with at least 21 people killed in incidents involving collapsed roofs and walls, electrocution and other rain-related accidents. Dozens have been injured, while families in several parts of the country have been forced to confront the loss of loved ones, damaged homes and uncertain futures. In many cities and towns, low-lying areas have been submerged, roads have disappeared beneath stagnant water and daily life has come to a standstill because drainage systems were unable to cope with the intensity of rainfall.
For those living in vulnerable neighborhoods, particularly in poorly planned urban settlements and rural areas with weak infrastructure, the monsoon season is not simply a period of rain. It is a period of anxiety. A leaking roof, an overflowing drain or a rising water channel can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. The repeated scenes of collapsed houses, flooded streets and rescue operations have become painfully familiar, raising difficult questions about why a country that experiences monsoon rains every year remains unprepared for their consequences.
The increasing intensity of rainfall is often linked to the wider global climate crisis. Pakistan contributes only a small share to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. From devastating floods to prolonged heatwaves and unpredictable weather patterns, the country is facing the consequences of a changing climate. Scientists and environmental experts have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. However, warnings alone cannot protect communities unless they are followed by serious planning and investment.
The challenge is not that Pakistan lacks knowledge of the problem. The risks are well understood. Authorities know which regions are vulnerable, which cities face drainage failures and which communities require stronger protection. The problem lies in the gap between awareness and action. Disaster management often becomes visible only after destruction has already taken place. Emergency teams move in, relief operations begin and compensation announcements are made, but the essential work of prevention remains incomplete.
Modern disaster management is built on the principle that preparation saves lives. Countries facing similar risks invest years in developing flood protection systems, accurate weather forecasting, efficient drainage networks and climate-resilient infrastructure. Their focus is not only on responding to disasters but on reducing the possibility of widespread damage. Prevention is considered an investment rather than an expense.
Pakistan, unfortunately, continues to follow a reactive approach. Every year, government institutions respond to emergencies with temporary measures, but long-term solutions remain slow and inconsistent. Relief camps, rescue operations and emergency funds may provide immediate support, but they cannot bring back lives lost or fully repair the economic damage caused by repeated disasters.
The issue of urban planning is particularly important. Many Pakistani cities have expanded rapidly without adequate infrastructure to support growing populations. Natural waterways have been blocked, drainage systems have become outdated and construction in vulnerable areas has increased risks. Heavy rainfall does not always become a disaster because of the rain itself; often, it becomes a disaster because communities lack the protection and planning required to withstand it.
The rising water levels in rivers have added another layer of concern. The Punjab Irrigation Department has warned of a flood-like situation in parts of Sialkot and Wazirabad and placed several areas on alert. It has also raised allegations regarding water releases from India’s Salal Dam, describing the move as “water aggression”. Such concerns reflect the longstanding tensions between the two neighboring countries over shared water resources. However, while regional water disputes require diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s own responsibilities in water management cannot be overlooked.
A country that faces repeated flooding must strengthen its water storage capacity, improve river management and develop infrastructure capable of handling extreme weather conditions. Climate adaptation can no longer remain a policy discussion confined to official meetings and international conferences. It must become a national priority affecting every level of governance.
Natural disasters cannot always be prevented, but their consequences can be reduced. A strong disaster management system does not wait for tragedy before responding; it works years in advance to protect people and communities. Pakistan’s challenge is not merely to survive another monsoon season but to change the way it approaches disasters altogether.
The monsoon should not be treated as an annual crisis that arrives unexpectedly. It should be recognized as a recurring national challenge requiring permanent solutions. Without a shift from emergency response to preventive action, Pakistan will continue to pay a heavy price through lost lives, damaged infrastructure and economic hardship. The true measure of preparedness is not how effectively a country responds after disaster strikes, but how successfully it prevents suffering before it begins.
(The writer is a senior retired government health official and served more than 30 years in the Public Sector on various executive, managerial and administrative positions with large administrative and clinical experience. He has keen interest in national, international affairs, and geopolitics. He can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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