HYDERABAD/DADU/LAHORE, PAKISTAN – Pakistan’s ongoing flood crisis has entered a critical phase, marked by receding river levels in the south but sustained devastation in the central region, where breaches have crippled infrastructure and ignited political disputes over aid distribution.
In Sindh, the Kotri Barrage passed the peak of its medium flood on Saturday but remained at a medium-flood state through Sunday evening, with upstream flows easing to cusecs. Flows have normalized further north at the Guddu and Sukkur barrages. However, high pressure persists along the Indus at several key embankments, prompting intensified rescue efforts. Rescue 1122 in Shaheed Benazirabad successfully evacuated dozens of residents and livestock from Ali Khan Mari village. Officials have termed the situation “alarming,” urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain highly vigilant.
Punjab’s Breach Crisis and Motorway Closure
The situation remains dire in Punjab, where the government has set an October 4 deadline to plug all broken embankments along the Sutlej River. The breach of the Noraja Bhutta embankment days ago has submerged more than villages across Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lodhran districts.
The floodwater passed through these breaches, causing a major disruption by breaching the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5) at several points. This has created a to kilometer-long inland lake and forced the closure of the M5 between the Uch Sharif interchange and Jalalpur Pirwala for two weeks. The prolonged closure has severely disrupted supply chains and stranded thousands of vehicles, forcing travellers onto dangerous alternative routes.
Punjab Minister for Irrigation Kazim Ali Pirzada stated on Sunday that three of the seven breaches at the Noraja Bhutta embankment have been plugged, and efforts are underway to complete the rest by the October 4 deadline. He confirmed that the largest breach, initially feet wide, has been reduced to feet.
Political Friction Over Aid and International Support
The humanitarian response has been complicated by political friction within the ruling coalition. While the Punjab government launched a survey to assess losses, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is demanding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif use the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to provide immediate relief. The PML-N government in Punjab, however, insists on utilizing its own provincial resources, highlighting a deep policy divide over the mechanism for dispensing critical aid.
On the international front, China provided timely humanitarian assistance. Two Chinese relief flights carrying tents and blankets landed at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam received the consignment and thanked China, stating that the contribution was not only a humanitarian endeavour but also a reaffirmation of the “everlasting Pakistan-China friendship.”
