Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Issues Urgent Directive to NDMA

During his trip to China Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to complete all preparations for rescue and relief operations as the water situation in Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers is at very critical stage.

The Prime Minister has issued his directive at a time which sees extensive flooding in Punjab and Sindh which is also a result of heavy thunderstorm rains and release of excess water from India’s up stream sources.

Shehbaz Sharif put forward the case for early warnings, inter province cooperation, and immediate relief which he said is what will make Pakistan’s response to crises great and in the best interest of the people.

Early Warnings for Communities at Risk

PM Shehbaz called out to NDMA Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider Malik to issue timely alerts and early warning to residents along at risk riverbanks.

Clear in that which he spoke out that which stood out for him was the element of great importance which is clear communication. The government put forth that through the issue of accurate flood reports and warning info they are to get the population out in time before it gets to critical stage.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department and also all other concerned bodies have been asked to issue alerts via SMS, local Mosques, radio, and TV to achieve largest possible public coverage.

Collaboration with Provincial Governments

The Prime Minister brought up that which of great effort is required of federal and provincial governments in order to see to the present and future flood disaster which is upon us.

Governments of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhaw have been ordered to:

• Deploy emergency rescue teams.
• Strengthen embankments and protective bunds.
• Speed up the delivery of relief supplies which include tents, medicines, and food packages.
• Recruit volunteers and local councils to support evacuation.

PM Shehbaz Sharif reported that in 2022 Pakistan was hit by severe floods which served to be a wake up call for the issues of poor coordination. This year he said the government will not tolerate any negligence.

NDMA Update on present flood conditions

In the briefings from the NDMA we have that which went out as follows:

• Multiple peaks of water levels are moving down from the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers.
• High at very high flood levels reported in Sutlej and Chenab due to Indian water release.
• Punjab has put all of its 12 districts on alert for the possibility of evacuations.
• Floodwaters to hit Guddu Barrage in Sindh by Saturday afternoon.
• Relief materials sent out to affected areas in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

NDMA reported to the Prime Minister that we have put in place rescue boats, mobile medical teams, and food distribution units which will respond quickly as required.

Relief Activities in Progress: Relief Efforts Underway:

In the face of deteriorating conditions authorities have stepped up relief efforts in many districts.

• Joint efforts of the NDMA, PDMAs, Pakistan Army, and local adminstrations in search, rescue and evacuation.
• Daily relief convoies of food parcels, water in bottles, medical supplies, and tents are going out to the flooded areas.
• Emergency shelters have been installed in government schools, community halls, and public buildings for displaced families.
• Healthcare workers in the field are working to prevent out breaks of water borne diseases like cholera and dengue.

The Prime Minister said that no area or community would be left out, also the provincial government will fully support provinces in all relief efforts.

Worst Thunderstorm in Decades: Pakistan:

In 2025 the weather phenomenon which we have witnessed is that of the most destructive thunderstorm season in almost forty years which Pakistan has put up with at an unprecedented intensity.

• Over 2000 villages flooded and large scale evacuations took place.
• Urban waterlogging in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala which did large scale damage to infrastructure.
• Road and rail networks at a standstill which in turn is disrupting supply chains and relief efforts.

In the north and east of Punjab we see the result of heavy rain at the same time that India releases excess water from its’ upper reservoirs which is producing an unequaled rise in river levels.

Impact of Indian Water Releases

In the case of the current flood crisis which is ongoing we see that one issue is the release of surplus water from Indian reservoirs into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers.

These abrupt water releases have raised what were already very high river levels into what we are seeing as exceptional floods which put Pakistani communities downstream at great risk.

The government has put forth that we must see to it that we have advanced notice of Indian water releases which is very much at the fore front of what the Indus Waters Treaty is about and that this issue of information exchange is very critical for save lives and property.

In high alert mode in Punjab and Sindh:

They declared 12 Punjab districts a high-risk area including Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Multan and Bahawalpur.

Local authorities in Sindh have been put on notice to get ready for the flood water at Guddu Barrage which in turn has made pre-emptive evacuation of vulnerable areas a go.

Also in South Punjab village populations are being moved out of their homes to safe areas as we see the embankments aren’t holding up to the large scale water pressure.

Government’s Proactive Measures: Government’s Active Role in:

In recent times that has not been the case but this time the government is taking a visionary approach to the issue.

• In August the NDMA put out early flood warnings that heavy monsoon rains were on the way and that flooding may occur.
• In high risk areas emergency stockpiles of relief supplies were created before monsoon season.
• Army engineering teams put on alert for embankment reinforcement and emergency repair.
• At all times NDMA headquarters is running a monitoring station which reports on river levels and coordinates response efforts.

This early intervention we see as a way to reduce the death toll and damage in comparison to past disasters.

Monsoon Spell to Continue: Monsoon Season to Last:

According to the latest report by the NDMA of September 3, 2025 the present Monsoon is to continue for a day and a half.

Heavy rain expected in northern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some areas of Sindh which in turn may see an increase in river flows.

Authorities ask that the public avoid unneeded travel, follow evacuation orders, and stay tuned to official advisories.