Islamabad, September 2, 2025: Members of the National Assembly on Tuesday called for urgent action against deforestation and the unchecked construction of housing societies along riverbanks, warning that such practices have worsened the flood crisis in the country.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began with a motion presented by Federal Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada to suspend the routine agenda, which was approved.
During the debate, PTI leader Asad Qaiser expressed solidarity with flood-affected families in Punjab, announcing that his party had decided to stage a protest walkout and resign from standing committees. “The system is running on oppression and coercion,” he remarked, before PTI members left the house in protest.
PML-N lawmaker Saira Afzal Tarar highlighted the severe flooding in her constituency along the Chenab River. “Never before has so much water entered the area. Homes and infrastructure have suffered immense damage,” she said, warning that rainfall and flooding are expected to rise by 22 percent in the coming period.
On a point of order, Samina Khalid questioned what precautionary measures had been taken, criticizing unchecked development along the Ravi River. “Displaced people are struggling even for food,” she said.
Shahida Akhtar Ali condemned the failure to stop illegal constructions and the lack of implementation of tree plantation projects. “The cutting of forests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is before us. This is not the time for political point-scoring; all housing societies must be reviewed by a reconstituted committee, and strict laws are needed,” she urged.
Noor Alam Khan asked, “Who allowed housing societies to build homes on riverbeds? Start accountability from Islamabad.” He also criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PDMA for failing to rescue even 12 people due to lack of basic equipment, warning of dire consequences when floodwaters reach Sindh. Holding the bureaucracy responsible for issuing NOCs, he questioned the absence of the climate change and water resources ministers. “Floods and terrorism are times when bureaucrats enrich themselves,” he alleged.
Responding, Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi criticized lawmakers for scapegoating bureaucrats. “If you want to make such claims, then resign from government. For 40 years you were part of this system,” he said, urging parliamentarians to preserve the sanctity of the house instead of seeking viral moments.
Water Resources Minister Mueen Wattoo assured members that the prime minister is receiving real-time updates on the flood situation and issuing immediate instructions. He said surveys of crop and housing losses are underway and that comprehensive, objection-free projects will soon be finalized to mitigate future disasters. “The government will support all those who have suffered damages,” he added.
