Pakistan is entering the 8th spell of the ongoing monsoon season, raising fresh concerns for a country already battered by earlier waves of flooding and heavy rains. A detailed briefing given by the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed grim statistics from the seven monsoon spells that have already struck:

• 800 deaths reported nationwide
• 1,088 injured
• Thousands of homes damaged and families displaced

The latest spell, beginning today, adds urgency to questions about Pakistan’s preparedness for both immediate disasters and long-term climate challenges.

Monsoon Toll So Far

According to NDMA’s account, the monsoon has left a devastating mark across Pakistan, disproportionately affecting Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rural communities in low-lying areas have borne the brunt of flooding, while urban centers have struggled with waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and power breakdowns.

The casualty figures reflect not only the intensity of the rains but also the vulnerabilities within Pakistan’s infrastructure and response systems. Emergency relief operations, though mobilized in each spell, have been overwhelmed by the scale of repeated flooding.

Glacier Melting: A Looming Catastrophe

The NDMA chairman also warned of a looming long-term crisis: Pakistan hosts 7,500 glaciers, the largest concentration outside the polar regions. A mere 2°C rise in temperature could cause 65% of these glaciers to melt within the next 52 years, threatening the Indus River system and water security for millions.

Such rapid glacial retreat would increase the frequency of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. These sudden floods have already emerged as a recurring hazard in recent years, washing away villages, roads, and farmland.

PAC Criticism: “NDMA Focused Only on Recovering Bodies”

During the briefing, sharp criticism was directed at NDMA by members of the Public Accounts Committee. Committee Chairman Junaid Akbar remarked:

“It seems NDMA’s preparation is only about how to recover bodies and rebuild roads after destruction. The real question is: what are we doing to prevent future disasters?”

The comment reflected frustration over what lawmakers see as a largely reactive approach, where institutions focus on relief and reconstruction but fail to prioritize prevention, resilience-building, and early warning.

Misuse of Funds Allegation

Another committee member, Sanaullah Masti Khel, raised serious allegations regarding the country’s disaster preparedness funding. He claimed that foreign funding meant for early warning systems was instead diverted to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). “If I had the authority,” he added, “I would register FIRs against those who misused these funds.”

Such claims underscore Pakistan’s chronic governance challenges, where mismanagement of resources undermines the capacity to build climate resilience.

Climate Change and Monsoon Patterns

Pakistan’s monsoon system has become increasingly erratic in recent years. The country is witnessing:

• More frequent and intense downpours, overwhelming drainage systems.
• Flash floods in mountainous areas, caused by sudden cloudbursts.
• Riverine floods in Punjab and Sindh due to high inflows from upstream rains and water releases from across the border.

Experts link these shifts directly to climate change, which is amplifying extreme weather events. Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global carbon emissions yet is ranked among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate disasters.

Preparedness vs. Reality

While NDMA has often highlighted its initiatives — including community-based training, flood forecasting, and evacuation drills — on-the-ground realities suggest gaps remain enormous. Communities frequently receive late warnings, embankments remain weak, and relocation efforts are hampered by inadequate shelters and resources.

The criticism from lawmakers points to a deeper issue: Pakistan’s disaster management institutions are more adept at crisis response than long-term risk reduction. Without systemic investment in resilient infrastructure, early warning networks, and climate adaptation, the toll of future disasters is likely to increase.

The Road Ahead

The start of the 8th monsoon spell serves as a sobering reminder that Pakistan is still in the middle of the crisis season. With rivers already swollen and embankments under strain, even moderate rains could lead to further flooding and displacement.

Looking forward, the country faces a dual challenge:

1. Immediate Response: Ensure timely evacuations, efficient relief distribution, and medical support for those affected in the ongoing spell.
2. Long-Term Strategy: Prioritize climate resilience by protecting glaciers, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and preventing misuse of funds earmarked for disaster preparedness.

As PAC members stressed, the time has come for NDMA and other authorities to shift focus from merely counting casualties and repairing damage toward building a system that prevents disasters from becoming catastrophes in the first place.