10/09/2025
Press release
Devastation caused by floods confirms systemic neglect
Lahore, 10 September 2025. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expresses grave concern over the devastating floods sweeping across the country. Reports from central and southern Punjab, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan in particular reveal extensive human and material losses. These disasters are no longer merely ‘natural’—they are manmade, fuelled by poor planning, land grabs, deforestation, corrupt practices and climate inaction, for which the state and successive governments must be held responsible.
While rescue and relief operations are underway, HRCP stresses that these efforts must be urgently expanded, with more rescue teams mobilised and more relief camps established with equitable access to food, shelter, clean drinking water and medical services. Particular attention must be given to the most vulnerable—women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.
The floods also highlight the plight of climate refugees, who have been forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods. The government must recognise and rehabilitate these displaced persons through long-term resettlement plans, access to housing and livelihood support. Failure to do so will only exacerbate poverty, marginalisation and social unrest.
In the medium term, the consequences will be dire, including food inflation, urban migration and the collapse of already overstretched city infrastructure. With much arable land under water and crops destroyed, food supply chains will be disrupted, causing an economic and humanitarian crisis.
HRCP cautions the government that piecemeal responses will not suffice. Fully resourced, empowered and functional local governments are needed to ensure disaster preparedness and rapid response at the community level. Civil defence institutions must be revitalised, early warning systems modernised and climate-resilient infrastructure prioritised. The restoration of wetlands and an immediate end to encroachment on natural waterways are critical steps to mitigating the frequency and severity of such disasters.
HRCP calls on the federal and provincial governments to wake up to their constitutional obligations, demonstrate political will and foresight, and take the decisive and inclusive action needed to prevent Pakistan from remaining trapped in annual cycles of displacement and devastation.
Asad Iqbal Butt
Chairperson
