Former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, has warned that the country is dangerously unprepared for environmental disasters, similar to the devastation of the 2022 floods. He criticized the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing torrential rains and rising river levels, which have already claimed dozens of lives and damaged property.

Hussain, who has held key positions in several business organizations, condemned the lack of disaster preparedness, highlighting the recent tragedy in Swat where tourists were swept away by floodwaters due to a lack of rescue equipment and flood warning systems. He compared the current situation to the 2022 floods, which caused over $33 billion in economic losses and displaced millions, arguing that the government has failed to learn from the past.

The business leader pointed out that while Pakistan is prone to environmental hazards, systemic inefficiencies are exacerbating their impact. He compared Pakistan’s response to other countries that effectively utilize early warning systems and robust infrastructure to mitigate the effects of such disasters. He criticized the government’s focus on superficial projects and bureaucratic hurdles.

While the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has talked about preparedness and communication, Hussain stressed the need for concrete actions. He called for investment in early warning systems, telemetry stations, and empowering local administrations for immediate response. He also highlighted the growing threat of glacial lake outburst floods due to rising temperatures and the ongoing issue of encroachments on waterways.

Hussain urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the government’s negligence, investigate the Swat incident, and review the NDMA’s performance. He emphasized the importance of tackling climate change through funding and transparent governance, warning that failure to do so will jeopardize the population, the country’s finances, and the state itself.