Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor has demanded the establishment of an autonomous National Flood Management Authority on an emergency basis. He warned that recent Indian “water aggression” has contributed to the devastating flood situation across Pakistan, stating that entire districts-including the export hub Sialkot and large parts of Punjab-are underwater. He called for the immediate formation of an autonomous national flood management authority to coordinate relief and reconstruction.
Addressing a steering committee meeting, Shakoor said the current monsoon flooding is among the worst disasters in the country’s history, resulting from changing weather patterns, and cited the extensive loss of life and property. He noted that projections indicate a 22 percent increase in rainfall next year, increasing the need for immediate, large-scale action.
Shakoor presented a comprehensive plan to mitigate future damage from severe weather and mismanaged water resources. He recommended the construction of at least twelve large dams and numerous artificial lakes to absorb flash floods. He also proposed an extensive network of diversion and canal systems to move floodwaters away from populated and agricultural areas.
The chairman called for the restoration of natural courses of cross-border rivers along the Pakistan-India border and the removal of encroachments on waterways and riverbanks, along with providing alternate land and housing for displaced families. He stated that wherever possible, Pakistan’s river systems can be interconnected through link canals to improve inter-basin transfer and resilience.
Shakoor particularly emphasized the immediate digging of flood and desert canals throughout the country, especially in arid districts of Sindh and Balochistan-including Thal, Cholistan, and Thar-to safely divert excess water to barren and desert lands. He said these channels would provide controlled storage during flash floods and protect people and crops from damage.
To expedite the establishment of the proposed flood authority, he advised that the military facilitate its formation on the model of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), enabling swift approvals and investments. He also suggested each province create its own flood management structure to deal with local emergencies.
The Pasban leader stressed depoliticizing dam and canal projects, warning the country cannot withstand more monsoon seasons with devastating floods. He urged prioritizing nationwide water security over political interests, saying politicians should stop using the federal government for personal or narrow gains.
Among other measures, Shakoor advocated for nationwide rainwater harvesting programs to not only mitigate flood devastation but also counter future droughts. He urged authorities to study and adopt international examples of effective water management, acknowledging that weak planning leaves Pakistan vulnerable to simultaneous floods and prolonged dry spells.
He warned that poor governance and a lack of strategic infrastructure could plunge Pakistan into a severe food and water crisis within the next ten years, while recurrent monsoon disasters keep communities submerged. The chairman appealed for urgent action-from emergency canals to new reservoirs and institutional reforms-to prevent recurring calamities.