Amid deadly floods affecting over 2 million people, Khawaja Asif urges storing floodwaters instead of protesting.
Pakistan Floods 2025: Minister’s Controversial Remark Sparks Outrage
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has stirred controversy by calling the ongoing Punjab floods a “blessing” and advising citizens in low-lying areas to store floodwater in tubs and containers. His remarks come as record-breaking monsoon rains have displaced over 2.4 million people and submerged more than a thousand villages.
Highlights from Minister’s Statement:
- In an interview with Dunya News, Asif said:
“People should store this water at their homes. This floodwater is a blessing.” - He criticized protestors, urging them to “take floodwaters home” instead of complaining.
- Asif suggested building small, quick-to-complete dams instead of waiting decades for mega infrastructure projects.
Ground Situation: Over 850 Dead, Crisis Deepens
According to NDMA data (June 26 – August 31):
- Deaths: 854
- Injured: 1,100+
- Flood-hit regions: Punjab districts like Multan, Sutlej, and Chenab are on high alert due to rising water levels.
- Future Threats: More monsoon rains are forecasted, risking further disruption of relief operations.
UN Warns of Food Crisis
The United Nations has warned that massive flooding has destroyed farmland and ripe crops, posing a threat of food insecurity and inflation across the country.
Key Concerns:
- Minister’s remarks have sparked public backlash, seen as insensitive amidst a humanitarian disaster.
- Relief efforts remain hampered due to continuous rainfall and rising river levels.
- The government’s disaster management strategy is under scrutiny.
As Pakistan reels under one of its worst monsoon flood crises, effective disaster management, timely infrastructure planning, and empathetic governance are critical. The people affected by the disaster now look for relief, not rhetoric.
