“Nature’s Dominion: A Nation in Peril” Or, if you prefer a slightly different tone: “A Nation at the Edge of Nature” Let me know which direction you’d like to go!
Released on, Aug. 19 – August 19, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Throughout history, natural disasters have consistently been a part of human life. However, advanced and accountable democratic nations draw lessons from such tragedies. They examine their shortcomings, develop strong infrastructures, and ensure the safety of citizens against upcoming dangers. Their choices are guided by long-term planning, established laws, and evidence-based studies rather than temporary political strategies or catchy phrases. Regrettably, Pakistan’s experience with the environment presents another narrative—one marked by remorse, slow reactions, unfulfilled commitments, and relief requests lost among bureaucratic procedures.
Take the example of the Netherlands, a nation mostly situated beneath sea level, which emerged from the catastrophic floods of 1953. The country redesigned its rivers, launched the “Room for the River” initiative, and built the “Delta Works,” considered among the most sophisticated flood defense networks globally. This network consists of tidal gates, dams, and locks that safeguard countless lives and crucial economic assets. Consequently, even with increasing ocean levels, the Netherlands has maintained nearly no fatalities due to flooding over many years.
By passing the Clean Air Act in 1970, the United States introduced strict environmental rules. These actions significantly cut down air pollution, enhanced public well-being, and provided a global model for combining economic development with nature protection. South Korea launched extensive tree-planting initiatives, sowing more than 9 billion trees from 1970 to 2000, turning lifeless areas into vibrant mountainous regions. This effort contributed to lessening soil erosion, enhancing air purity, and increasing wildlife diversity.
Despite being classified as a lower-middle-income nation with scarce resources, Bangladesh implemented community-driven cyclone readiness initiatives. These early alert mechanisms, along with cyclone safe havens and awareness campaigns, have cut down cyclone-related fatalities by almost 90% since the 1970s, demonstrating how collective action and preparation can preserve human lives. On the contrary, Pakistan faces significant challenges. Following the disastrous floods of 2010, each subsequent natural calamity followed a similar cycle: alerts were overlooked, destruction occurred, politicians issued declarations, assistance was pledged, yet nothing came after. The 2010 flooding affected more than 20 million individuals, damaged two million houses, and led to financial damages approximated at $10 billion. The UN requested over $2 billion in relief funds, but Pakistan managed to secure approximately $600 million.
The 2022 flooding caused greater destruction—resulting in the loss of 1,739 lives, impacting over 33 million individuals, and causing economic losses estimated at around $40 billion, which accounts for almost 9% of the nation’s GDP. Although commitments made during the 2023 Geneva summit included providing $9 billion in assistance, only slightly over $1 billion has been actually distributed so far. A significant portion of the promised support is stuck within administrative procedures or hindered by IMF requirements and political protocols. The World Bank cautions that should Pakistan not tackle climate issues effectively, it could face a reduction of up to 20% in its economic production by 2050. The Asian Development Bank ranks Pakistan among the top five nations highly susceptible to climate-induced catastrophes. Reports from Amnesty International identify Pakistan as one of the five most sensitive countries worldwide regarding climatic changes.
However, governmental policies and focus reflect indifference instead of concern. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) typically respond only following disasters. Pakistan dedicates just 0.2% of its GDP to environmental studies, far below the world average of 2.3%. Moreover, most available resources end up being spent on consulting services and ineffective initiatives rather than supporting practical, scientifically grounded solutions. Nature keeps reminding us constantly. The 2023 storm in Bonair, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, devastated many—over 200 individuals lost their lives, crops were ruined, and houses collapsed. The wails of a nursing baby buried under debris and the quiet sorrow of grieving mothers deeply affected the country’s sense of morality. Still, in Islamabad and Peshawar, political maneuvering took precedence over compassion, with official systems remaining slow to act.
Residents keep asking: Where are the one billion trees that were promised? Where are the billions committed for assistance? What happened to the climate strategy that was introduced with great excitement? Where is the government that swore to clear drainage systems, study cloudbursts, and implement advanced technologies? Scholars such as Professor Shafiq Ahmed Kamboh from Punjab University had previously cautioned about rising instances of cloudbursts and unpredictable rainfall. However, their warnings went unheard, buried under bureaucratic delays and political apathy. Pakistan does not possess a Nationwide Flood Strategy, an all-encompassing Drainage Development Plan, nor a contemporary early warning mechanism linked with weather forecasts. Meanwhile, nations like China have started “Soaking Urban Areas” initiatives designed to capture storm water and minimize floods, whereas Pakistan continues using obsolete structures and temporary solutions. Bribery and poor administration continue to undermine citizen confidence. Audit Office findings indicate that as much as 40 percent of the reported outcomes from the million-tree planting initiative cannot be confirmed. The expansive Living Indus Initiative faces irregular financial support and insufficient monitoring.
Pakistan should focus on improving environmental governance by setting up an elite Climate Change Commission that includes input from scientists, government officials, and members of the general public to support comprehensive and data-driven decisions. Adopting nationwide flood and drainage strategies inspired by the Netherlands could enable rivers to spread out naturally when flooding occurs, thereby easing stress on levees and city areas. Enhancing grassroots disaster readiness initiatives and funding early alert mechanisms, storm shelters, and awareness campaigns—similar to what has worked well in Bangladesh—can protect many lives. Boosting financial support for scientific exploration and technological advancements is essential, targeting a minimum allocation of 2 percent of GDP towards ecological and climatic research. Encouraging tree planting efforts through open oversight frameworks and involving nearby populations in eco-friendly land use practices can assist in restoring nature’s balance. It is vital to implement environmental regulations rigorously, reinforcing both the National Climate Strategy and methods aimed at controlling contamination. Lessening dependence on outside assistance by developing domestic capabilities to handle crises linked to weather changes will enhance Pakistan’s strength and independence.
At this moment, grief is all that remains—grief for the children lost due to flooding, the mothers who had to bury those they cherished, the farmers whose means of survival were destroyed, and a government that prioritized political maneuvering over genuine protection. Will Pakistan provide coming generations with a safe, independent, and environmentally sound home? Or will it keep sinking beneath floodwaters, unfulfilled pledges, and governmental indifference? The choice does not rest solely with leaders; it lies with the people as well. It is up to the country’s population to insist upon transparency, support efforts toward resilience, and create a Pakistan that genuinely protects both nature and its inhabitants. Now is the hour to take action—the future will not tolerate more waiting.
