ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly session on Thursday was dominated by emotional protests and serious concerns regarding the widespread devastation caused by recent floods across the country. Lawmakers unanimously demanded strict and immediate action against illegal housing societies built on riverbeds and the ruthless cutting of forests, which have been cited as major factors exacerbating the flood situation.
Presided over by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the session saw its regular agenda suspended to allow immediate focus on the plight of flood-affected communities. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser led a walkout in protest, expressing solidarity with the victims in Punjab. He stated, “The system is running on oppression and force,” announcing that his party had decided to resign from standing committees in protest.
Lawmakers who were female spoke especially urgently. Homes and infrastructure were destroyed by historically unprecedented flooding in her constituency, according to MNA Saira Afzal Tarar, who represents an area along the Chenab River. Climate projections show a 22% increase in rainfall and flooding in the upcoming years, she cautioned.
MNA Shahida Akhtar Ali brought up a significant point, asking why afforestation projects and illegal building activities were not adequately regulated. She insisted that stronger regulations be implemented to stop such tragedies and that an independent committee immediately examine all housing societies along riverbanks.
The bureaucracy also came under fire during the session. MNA Noor Alam Khan questioned who granted permission for these housing societies to occupy and build on riverbanks, stating that “the real culprits are the bureaucrats who issued NOCs for financial gains.”
In response, Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi expressed reservations about solely blaming the bureaucracy, reminding members that they themselves had been part of the same system for decades. He emphasized, “We are very fond of blaming the bureaucracy… we need to look inward.” He further stated that the country’s defense and economy were in strong hands and that construction standards were not being compromised.
Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Waheed provided assurances to the house, stating that the Prime Minister is receiving real-time briefings on the flood situation. A comprehensive strategy is being developed for the rehabilitation of affected communities and the implementation of new projects to prevent such disasters in the future.
