ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President and Senator Sherry Rehman on Tuesday expressed serious concern over flooding in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi following torrential rains, saying the situation had exposed “serious weaknesses” in the country’s disaster preparedness and urban flood management systems.

“Is this really the level of preparedness we have for dealing with heavy rains and floods? The situation in the twin cities has once again exposed the weaknesses of our disaster management system,” she said in a statement.

Ms Rehman said recurring municipal challenges remained evident, including unchecked construction over natural drainage channels, poor urban planning, and a gap between development spending and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“These are the same issues that contribute to severe flooding year after year. As climate impacts become more frequent, preparedness must become a core part of governance. Building awareness is essential, not only among the public but also within the civil service,” she said.

“This is always a reactive discussion. It begins only after the damage has already been done, after lives have been lost, homes destroyed, livestock washed away, and communities devastated. There is no sustained national public conversation on these issues throughout the year,” the senator added.

She said authorities were struggling to cope with the current rainfall while several parts of the twin cities had been inundated. “The government must immediately accelerate rescue and relief operations and ensure that affected citizens receive timely assistance,” she stressed.

Ms Rehman said emergency measures after every episode of heavy rainfall were no longer sufficient. “We need permanent and effective reforms to address the growing threat of urban flooding. Federal and provincial institutions must stop shifting responsibility and instead work through a coordinated strategy to protect citizens.”

She emphasised the need to modernise drainage systems, ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of stormwater channels, strengthen flood management mechanisms and establish effective early warning systems.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall and consequently raising the risk of urban flooding. Pakistan needs a long-term environmental and disaster management strategy that addresses these emerging threats rather than relying on reactive measures,” she said.

The PPP leader said Pakistan must learn from climate-related disasters in the region, including the recent floods in Nepal.

“If we fail to act now, the consequences could eventually move beyond our ability to manage,” she warned. She called for immediate acceleration of relief activities in affected areas, safe evacuation of vulnerable citizens and provision of food, clean drinking water and urgent medical assistance.

“Today’s rainfall is a clear warning. The government must move beyond repeated emergency responses and establish a permanent, effective and resilient system for managing urban flooding,” Ms Rehman said.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2026