The rising waters of the Indus River have once again put pressure on protective embankments across Sindh, creating anxiety among residents of vulnerable districts. In Matiari, the situation is being closely monitored by both the local administration and elected representatives. To personally assess the condition of the embankments after the recent rise in water levels, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Matiari, Makhdoom Jameel-uz-Zaman, conducted a detailed visit to Kalyan Bund, one of the most crucial protective embankments in the district.

During the visit, the MNA was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Matiari, Muhammad Yousuf Sheikh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ejaz Memon, young Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Haji Shehzad Memon, Chairman of Hala Municipal Committee Zawar Gul Muhammad Panhwar, as well as senior political figures including Syed Mumtaz Shah, Arshad Soho, and other notable leaders of PPP and the Sarwari Jamaat. Their joint presence underscored both the seriousness of the situation and the spirit of collective responsibility in facing potential natural disasters.

Irrigation Department’s Briefing

Officials from the irrigation department briefed the delegation about the overall condition of the embankments. They provided updates on the current water flow in the Indus, the pressure on different points of the bunds, and the preventive measures already taken to strengthen weak patches. They assured the visiting MNA and local leadership that round-the-clock monitoring was being carried out and that emergency teams were present to deal with any unexpected situation.

The officials also informed that additional machinery and resources had been allocated to areas facing higher risk. According to them, so far, the embankments were holding well, and although there was significant water pressure due to the recent rise in river levels, the situation remained under control.

MNA’s Assurance to People of Matiari

Addressing the gathering of local leaders, administrative officials, and party workers, Makhdoom Jameel-uz-Zaman expressed satisfaction over the current condition of the bunds. He stated that the situation was “quite satisfactory” at the moment, and that there had been no reports of any serious breaches or failures from anywhere in the district.

He assured the people that both the district administration and the political leadership were fully alert and prepared to face challenges. “We have confronted similar situations in the past and, by the grace of Almighty Allah, we will face this one as well,” he said. He added that natural calamities are a test of resilience, unity, and service, and expressed confidence that with joint efforts the people of Matiari would overcome the difficulties.

The MNA also highlighted the role of the Sarwari Jamaat, saying that members of the spiritual fraternity would stand alongside the people of Matiari in defending the embankments. “This land and its people are sacred to us. Just as the district administration is working tirelessly, the Sarwari Jamaat will also be here to protect the bunds with their physical presence and collective strength,” he emphasized.

Directives to District Administration

During the visit, Makhdoom Jameel-uz-Zaman issued specific instructions to the district administration. He directed them to ensure that people stranded in the katcha (riverine) areas be rescued immediately on an emergency basis and shifted to the safer, higher ground of the settled areas (pukka). He stressed the importance of arranging proper camps for displaced families where they could be provided with food, clean drinking water, shelter, and medical facilities.

He also ordered that every possible effort be made to extend assistance to families that had already migrated from the katcha areas to the safer zones. “No one should feel abandoned in this hour of trial. Every household, every individual affected by this situation deserves care, dignity, and immediate support,” he added.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

The MNA’s words were received with relief and encouragement by the people present. His visit served as a reassurance that the elected leadership was not distant in times of crisis but standing shoulder to shoulder with the community. Local leaders accompanying him also expressed confidence in his leadership, pointing out that his proactive engagement and timely instructions were a reflection of his dedication to the welfare of the people.

The presence of the Deputy Commissioner, the SSP, and other senior officials alongside the MNA highlighted the coordination between civil administration and political leadership. Together, they presented a unified front, signaling that both preventive measures and emergency response mechanisms were in place.

Historical Context and Community Role

Floods and rising river levels are not new challenges for the people of Sindh. Every few years, heavy rains and water surges in the Indus River threaten embankments, forcing communities to remain on constant alert. In Matiari, the political and spiritual leadership of the Makhdoom family, alongside the Sarwari Jamaat, has historically played a pivotal role in mobilizing people, organizing protection of bunds, and supporting affected families.

This time too, Makhdoom Jameel-uz-Zaman’s visit has revived the same spirit of unity. Community volunteers have already begun assisting with sandbagging, patrolling bunds, and helping relocate vulnerable households. The collaboration between officials and ordinary citizens is expected to be a decisive factor in ensuring that the district passes through this testing period without major damage.

Conclusion

The situation in Matiari, though tense due to the rising Indus waters, remains under control and satisfactory, according to both irrigation officials and MNA Jameel-uz-Zaman. The district administration has been tasked with carrying out immediate rescue and relief operations for vulnerable families, while community support continues to strengthen the collective response.

In his remarks, Makhdoom Jameel-uz-Zaman summarized the spirit of the moment: “We have faced such trials before, and with the blessings of Allah, we will face them again. The people of Matiari are resilient, and together with our administration and the Sarwari Jamaat, we will ensure that no one is left behind.”

His words, coupled with visible action and coordination on the ground, have provided a sense of security and confidence to the people living along the riverbanks. The coming days will be crucial, but the unity and preparedness shown in Matiari stand as a promising shield against the challenges posed by nature.