Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has ordered authorities to start preparations for Monsoon 2027 immediately, warning that flood-prevention work cannot be left until the next rainy season.
The minister said flood-control projects need eight to 10 months for technical assessments, planning, approvals, funding and construction. He directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial disaster management authorities and other departments to begin the process now.
“Last-minute emergency interventions cost more and deliver less,” Iqbal said while chairing a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee on Monsoon Preparedness 2026. He called for a shift from emergency response to proactive planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The minister ordered a district-wise audit of areas affected by floods in 2022, 2025 and 2026. Provincial authorities, irrigation departments, works departments and district administrations will jointly identify weak infrastructure and areas requiring protection.
The audit will examine bridges, culverts, drains and flood-disposal structures, many of which were built decades ago and may no longer be able to handle heavier rainfall.
Iqbal said undersized bridges and culverts can restrict water flow, while outdated drainage systems can overflow and flood entire settlements. The review will also identify encroachments and other obstructions in floodplains and around flood-protection infrastructure.
Urgent and technically viable flood-protection projects identified through the audit will be processed through a Green Channel for faster approval and funding.
The initial audit must be completed within one month. Provincial governments will then prepare time-bound action plans covering both preventive measures for the next monsoon and the rehabilitation of outstanding flood damage. Progress will be reviewed every quarter.
Iqbal also highlighted plastic waste as a major cause of urban flooding. He said polythene bags and solid waste dumped into drains can block culverts, bridges and drainage outlets during heavy rainfall.
“By throwing plastic into drains, people are mercilessly clogging the arteries of our cities,” he said.
The minister called for a nationwide awareness campaign and stronger enforcement of restrictions on polythene bags. He also directed authorities to develop a transition plan covering plastic imports, manufacturing, retail and waste management, along with affordable biodegradable alternatives.
The meeting was also briefed on the current monsoon situation. Monsoon 2026 has entered its withdrawal phase, with no major monsoon system currently expected to affect Pakistan. River flows remain normal and no riverine flooding was reported.
The cumulative monsoon toll presented to the committee stood at 181 deaths and 515 injuries, while around 1,740 houses and other structures were damaged. House collapses accounted for 95 deaths, representing more than half of the total fatalities.
The NDMA informed the meeting that it is conducting a technical assessment of vulnerable housing and has shared reconstruction models with provincial governments. A low-cost and environmentally sustainable reconstruction programme is expected to be implemented over the next two to three months.
Around 640 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, food and camp equipment, have been sent to affected areas.
He also directed the NDMA to prepare a comprehensive Monsoon 2026 closure report by the third week of September. The report will cover response operations, decisions taken by the committee, lessons learned, institutional gaps and progress on its directives.
The minister stressed that Pakistan needs to move from reacting to disasters after they occur toward early planning, better forecasting, climate-resilient infrastructure and timely rehabilitation.
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