Pakistan could witness even more destructive monsoon rains and flooding next year, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warning of a possible 22% increase in rainfall on top of this year’s already intense season.
During a briefing to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik revealed startling facts about Pakistan’s growing climate challenges, including the rapid melting of glaciers and rising flood risks.
Heavier rains and more floods expected in 2026
Lt Gen Malik informed lawmakers that the 2025 monsoon brought 22% more rainfall than average, and next year may see a similar surge. “Next year will be more dangerous in terms of floods,” he warned, adding that the eighth monsoon spell is expected between September 2 and 11.
He also reported 800 deaths and 1,100 injuries caused by rains and floods this season, with seven monsoon spells already passed.
Glaciers melting at alarming speed
The NDMA chief highlighted that 45% of Pakistan’s 7,500 glaciers are melting rapidly. If global temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius, as much as 65% of these glaciers could disappear within 52 years, posing the threat of severe drought and famine.
“These floods are already linked to glacial melt. If glaciers vanish, Pakistan could face a future without water,” he cautioned.
PAC questions NDMA’s role
Committee members, led by Chairman Junaid Akbar, raised tough questions about the NDMA’s effectiveness. They argued that much of the rescue work during floods is carried out by district administrations and Rescue 1122, while NDMA remains limited to issuing warnings.
“Is NDMA’s job only to lift dead bodies and issue weather alerts?” one member asked, pressing for clarity on its responsibilities.
Call for better technology and preparedness
Lt Gen Malik admitted that Pakistan still relies mostly on ground sensing for disaster prediction. He suggested the government invest in remote sensing systems and meteorological satellites to better track climate change and predict extreme weather events.
The NDMA also called for tighter restrictions on tourism during the rainy season, citing instances where buses full of tourists ignored warnings and became stranded.
Pakistan’s climate crisis deepening
With population growth on the rise and climate disasters becoming more frequent, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to strengthen disaster management systems. Malik warned that by 2050, Pakistan could become the world’s third most populous country, further straining resources.
“Precautionary measures and early warnings can save lives, but without better technology and strict implementation, we will remain vulnerable,” he stressed.
