Ahsan Iqbal Orders Early Preparation for Monsoon 2027

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed authorities to commence preparations for Monsoon 2027 without delay, emphasizing the necessity of initiating flood-prevention work early. He explained that flood-control projects necessitate eight to ten months for technical assessments, planning, approvals, funding, and construction. Iqbal met with the National Disaster Management Authority, provincial disaster management authorities, and other relevant departments, instructing them to initiate the process immediately.

He cautioned that last-minute emergency interventions are costly and ineffective, advocating for a shift towards proactive planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The minister ordered a comprehensive audit of flood-affected areas from the past three monsoon seasons (2022, 2025, and 2026). Provincial authorities, irrigation departments, works departments, and district administrations will collaborate to identify weak infrastructure and areas in need of protection. The audit will assess bridges, culverts, drains, and flood-disposal structures, many of which were constructed decades ago and may no longer withstand heavier rainfall.

Undersized bridges and culverts can impede water flow, while outdated drainage systems may overflow, inundating entire communities. The audit will also pinpoint encroachments and other obstructions in floodplains and surrounding flood-protection infrastructure. These findings will be processed via a Green Channel for expedited approval and funding, with an initial audit due within one month.

Provincial governments will subsequently develop time-bound action plans encompassing preventive measures for the upcoming monsoon and the rehabilitation of any residual flood damage. Progress will be evaluated every quarter.

Iqbal drew attention to plastic waste as a significant contributor to urban flooding, stating that polythene bags and solid waste deposited into drains can obstruct culverts, bridges, and drainage outlets during heavy rainfall. He called for a nationwide awareness campaign and stricter enforcement of regulations on polythene bag usage.

Additionally, the minister tasked authorities with formulating a transition plan addressing plastic imports, manufacturing, retail, waste management, and the adoption of affordable biodegradable alternatives. The committee was briefed on the present monsoon situation, noting that Monsoon 2026 has entered its withdrawal phase, with no major monsoon systems anticipated to impact Pakistan.

River flows remain steady, and no riverine flooding has been reported. The cumulative toll of Monsoon 2026 amounted to 181 deaths, 515 injuries, and approximately 1,740 damaged houses or structures. House collapses were responsible for 95 fatalities, accounting for more than half of the total fatalities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported conducting a technical assessment of vulnerable housing and sharing reconstruction models with provincial governments.

A cost-effective, environmentally sustainable reconstruction program is anticipated to be implemented over the next two to three months. Around 640 tonnes of relief supplies, comprising tents, food, and camp equipment, have been dispatched to affected regions. Iqbal directed the NDMA to prepare a thorough Monsoon 2026 closure report by the third week of September, covering response operations, committee decisions, identified lessons learned, institutional gaps, and progress on directives.