ISLAMABAD, Sep 8: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed federal and provincial authorities to begin work for Monsoon 2027 now, saying Pakistan cannot wait until the next rainy season to address flood risks.
Chairing a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee on Monsoon Preparedness 2026, Iqbal said flood-protection projects can take eight to 10 months to assess, approve, finance and complete.
He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial disaster management authorities and other relevant departments to identify vulnerable areas and start preventive work well before the next monsoon.
A district-level review will cover locations hit by floods in 2022, 2025 and 2026. Authorities will examine bridges, culverts, drainage systems and flood-disposal structures to identify weaknesses, blockages and other risks.
Iqbal noted that much of the country’s flood-control infrastructure was built decades ago. Some bridges and culverts are now too small to allow sufficient water to pass, while old drainage systems can overflow during heavy rainfall and cause widespread urban flooding.
The review will also identify encroachments in floodplains and obstructions around flood-protection infrastructure.
The minister ordered that urgent and technically sound flood-control schemes identified during the exercise be moved through a Green Channel to speed up their approval and financing. The first phase of the audit must be completed within a month, after which provinces and federal agencies will prepare specific action plans.
Implementation of these measures will be reviewed every quarter.
Iqbal also singled out plastic waste as a major contributor to urban flooding. Polythene bags and other solid waste dumped into drains can block water channels, culverts and drainage outlets during heavy rains.
“By throwing plastic into drains, people are mercilessly clogging the arteries of our cities,” he said.
He called for a nationwide campaign to discourage the dumping of waste and stronger enforcement of restrictions on polythene bags. Authorities were also asked to plan a transition covering plastic imports, production, retail and waste disposal, while ensuring affordable alternatives are available.
The committee was informed that Monsoon 2026 is now in its withdrawal phase and no major monsoon system is currently expected to affect Pakistan. River flows remain normal, with no riverine flooding reported.
The season has so far resulted in 181 deaths and 515 injuries, while around 1,740 houses and other structures have been damaged. House collapses were the largest cause of fatalities, accounting for 95 deaths.
The NDMA told the meeting that it is assessing vulnerable housing and has provided provinces with reconstruction models. A low-cost and environmentally sustainable housing reconstruction programme is expected to begin within the next two to three months.
Around 640 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, food and camp materials, have also been sent to affected areas.
Iqbal directed the NDMA to submit a detailed report on Monsoon 2026 by the third week of September. The report will cover the government response, rehabilitation, lessons from the season, institutional shortcomings and progress on committee decisions.
The minister stressed that Pakistan must move toward advance planning and prevention rather than relying on emergency measures after disasters occur.
