The northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been hit hardest by the 2025 floods, with Buner experiencing widespread devastation. Almost half of the villages have been inundated, resulting in hundreds of lives lost and entire communities displaced. The flood has wreaked havoc—killing people, destroying houses and infrastructure, and sweeping away livestock.
One major issue is the government’s weak international climate diplomacy. Despite being ranked as the 5th most climate-vulnerable country by the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan has consistently failed to secure greater cooperation from the international community. The promised loss and damage fund from COP-28 has yet to materialise, revealing inadequate bargaining capacity at global forums.
Internally, the state’s writ remains fragile, with limited compliance regarding precautionary measures that could help mitigate the impacts of such catastrophic events. Research indicates that Pakistan lacks effective implementation mechanisms, even where disaster preparedness frameworks exist on paper.
The reliance on an outdated bureaucratic governance model also hampers effective disaster management. A new governance paradigm that integrates climate experts, urban planners, and trained disaster management professionals is essential for scientific and data-driven responses.
Additionally, political elitism and symbolism plague the system. Elected representatives often engage in photo-ops and symbolic visits rather than addressing the real issues faced by communities. This behaviour erodes public trust and reflects a persistent gap between state institutions and vulnerable populations.
Historically, the government’s response to floods has been reactionary. Compensation cheques may be distributed after disasters, but no monetary payment can truly compensate for lost lives or livelihoods. Despite the repeated experiences with floods, the state remains ill-prepared, treating these disasters as temporary crises rather than long-term structural challenges.
Another significant concern is the underdevelopment and poor management of early warning systems. When warnings are issued, the absence of a comprehensive evacuation strategy leaves citizens confused about where to go and how to relocate, resulting in avoidable loss of life and property.
Local governments have also been disempowered in the post-disaster scenario, leading to delays in relief operations as communities wait for federal or provincial interventions. This centralisation of authority undermines local capacity, as highlighted in various governance reports.
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Moreover, disaster management authorities across most districts lack sufficient equipment, trained personnel, and logistics to respond effectively, forcing reliance on ad hoc measures and external aid, which diminishes resilience against recurring floods.
Lastly, societal awareness and adaptation are crucial. Citizens must recognise that floods are now the “new normal” in Pakistan. Constructing homes and commercial structures along riverbanks increases risk. Enhancing community awareness and promoting climate-resilient urban planning are vital for long-term adaptation.
Unless proactive policies are adopted, Pakistan will continue to suffer from these challenges. The nation is likely to experience recurring floods, and without serious intervention from the government, the outcomes will remain unchanged.
