Unprecedented Water Levels in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the province experienced an unexpected rise in water flow across its three major rivers, pushing them beyond capacity. Speaking to reporters in Shahdara, near Lahore, she noted that while the situation was alarming, swift government action prevented loss of life.
“The volume of water was greater than anticipated, yet no fatalities have been reported due to timely evacuations and coordinated efforts,” she said.
Flooding has affected several districts in Punjab, the country’s most populous province, heightening concerns about disaster preparedness and the urgent need for long-term water management strategies.
Mass Evacuations and Rescue Operations
Despite strong pressure on embankments and riverbanks, authorities in Punjab successfully relocated more than 50,000 residents from high-risk areas to safer locations.
Maryam Nawaz praised the efforts of civil defence units, district administrations, and rescue services, saying their collective response minimized potential casualties.
“All deputy commissioners and rescue teams deserve recognition for their performance,” she added, underlining the need to maintain round-the-clock vigilance as water levels remain high.
Narowal Underwater, Other Cities at Risk
The chief minister confirmed that Narowal district is almost completely submerged, while the situation in Gujrat and Sialkot is deteriorating. Local administrations have been instructed to remain fully mobilised, with relief camps established to house displaced families.
She acknowledged that while infrastructure damage was significant, the priority remained safeguarding human lives and preventing further displacement.
Concerns Over Illegal Constructions
Maryam Nawaz also expressed concern about illegal construction along waterways, which she argued worsens flooding by obstructing the natural flow of rivers.
She announced that such encroachments would be removed. “Any houses or structures built unlawfully on riverbanks will be demolished. Safety of lives and communities must come first,” she said.
Illegal construction along floodplains has long been a controversial issue in Pakistan, where weak enforcement of zoning regulations often leaves vulnerable communities exposed during natural disasters.
Call for Dams and Water Storage Structures
Reflecting on the magnitude of the flooding, the chief minister remarked that she had never seen such high levels of water in the Ravi River.
She emphasised the need for urgent investment in water storage facilities, including dams and water-harvesting systems. “Water is a blessing, and it must not be wasted. We need effective structures to store rain and floodwater, otherwise future generations will suffer from scarcity,” she said.
Pakistan has faced recurring water crises in recent decades, alternating between devastating floods and severe droughts. Experts say this cycle will worsen due to climate change, which is already altering rainfall patterns and accelerating glacier melt in the north.
Water Harvesting as a Long-Term Solution
Maryam Nawaz directed relevant institutions to prepare comprehensive plans for capturing rain and floodwater. She stressed that water harvesting could play a key role in addressing looming shortages.
According to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the country may face “absolute water scarcity” by 2025 if no urgent measures are taken. Already, per capita water availability has dropped from 5,000 cubic meters in 1950 to below 1,000 cubic meters today, a threshold defined as water stress.
Experts argue that investment in reservoirs, small dams, and efficient irrigation is essential to ensure both flood mitigation and sustainable agriculture.
Balancing Emergency Relief and Future Planning
The Punjab government’s immediate focus remains on evacuation, relief camps, and restoring essential services in flood-hit areas. However, the chief minister stressed that Pakistan must not continue to rely solely on emergency responses.
“We cannot wait for disasters to remind us. Planning for water storage is now a necessity, not a choice,” she said.
Her remarks echo broader calls for Pakistan to modernise its water management strategy. Earlier, the Punjab Governor had also underscored that dam construction is crucial for both flood prevention and affordable energy (Pakistan’s Punjab Governor Stresses Urgent Need for Dams).
