Lahore: The Punjab government has taken decisive action after India released a large volume of water into rivers flowing toward Pakistan, creating a serious flood threat in multiple districts. To ensure swift response and the safety of citizens, the provincial authorities have formally requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army in six districts: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara.
The move comes as part of a broader emergency strategy aimed at saving human lives, protecting property, and conducting timely relief operations.
Rising Tensions Over Water: The Background
The issue of water between India and Pakistan has long been a sensitive and contentious matter, governed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, gives India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) while Pakistan receives unrestricted rights to the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum).
However, Pakistan has often accused India of water aggression — either by constructing dams and barrages that reduce water flow or by releasing massive amounts of water suddenly during monsoon, triggering floods downstream.
The recent incident of abrupt water release has once again reignited these concerns. According to reports, India released water without adequate prior notification, resulting in a surge in water levels in Punjab’s rivers and increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying districts.
Immediate Government Response: Army Called In
Recognizing the potential severity of the situation, the Punjab Home Department swiftly acted on requests from local administrations. A formal letter was sent to the Federal Ministry of Interior to approve military deployment in the affected areas.
- Districts on Alert: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara.
- Civil-Military Cooperation: The Army will work alongside district administrations, Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and the police.
- Additional Resources: If necessary, Army Aviation units and specialized military equipment will also be dispatched for flood rescue and relief.
The number of troops to be deployed will be finalized in consultation with the district administrations, ensuring tailored support depending on the severity of the local flood threat.
Relief Agencies Already in Action
Even before the army’s involvement, district administrations and emergency response teams had already mobilized:
- Rescue 1122 teams are conducting preemptive evacuations in vulnerable areas.
- Civil Defense units are reinforcing embankments and installing temporary flood barriers.
- Police forces are patrolling to prevent law-and-order issues during evacuations.
The Home Department spokesperson emphasized that the situation is being monitored around the clock (24/7) and that all available resources are being diverted to safeguard both human lives and property.
Vulnerable Districts: Why These Six Were Prioritized
The six districts — Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, and Okara — were chosen because they are geographically located near riverbanks and low-lying floodplains that face direct impact from rising water levels.
- Lahore: Although an urban hub, certain peripheral areas near Ravi River are at high flood risk.
- Kasur: Historically flood-prone, especially in villages along Sutlej River.
- Sialkot: Known for agriculture, its fertile lands are highly vulnerable to flooding.
- Faisalabad: Industrial hub with rural belts at risk of water overflow.
- Narowal: Close proximity to border rivers makes it highly exposed.
- Okara: Agricultural economy at stake if irrigation canals overflow.
By focusing on these districts, the Punjab government aims to minimize human casualties and economic loss in the most threatened regions.
Potential Impact of Flooding on Punjab
Punjab is known as the “breadbasket of Pakistan”, contributing a large share to the country’s agriculture. Flooding in this region could cause:
- Displacement of People – Thousands of families may be forced to leave their homes.
- Crop Damage – Wheat, rice, sugarcane, and maize crops may face severe destruction.
- Livestock Losses – Cattle and poultry farms, a source of livelihood for many, could be wiped out.
- Infrastructure Damage – Roads, bridges, and irrigation canals risk collapse.
- Spread of Diseases – Floodwaters often lead to outbreaks of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and diarrhea.
Given these risks, timely action has been prioritized by both the provincial government and the Pakistan Army.
India’s Water Release: Accidental or Strategic?
While Indian authorities maintain that the water release was part of routine flood management during monsoon, Pakistani experts suspect deliberate negligence or aggression.
Historically, India has faced criticism for:
- Sudden Water Discharges: Releasing water without proper notification to Pakistan, leaving little time for preparedness.
- Use of Dams as Leverage: Storing and releasing water strategically to create pressure in diplomatic conflicts.
- Violation of Indus Waters Treaty Spirit: While not always illegal, such actions are viewed as unfriendly gestures undermining regional stability.
This has given rise to the term “water aggression”, reflecting Pakistan’s perception that India uses water as a geopolitical weapon.
Pakistan’s Flood Preparedness Measures
Pakistan has developed a National Flood Response Plan, which includes:
- Flood Forecasting System: Real-time monitoring of water inflows.
- Early Warning Mechanisms: Alerts issued through TV, radio, and mosque announcements.
- Evacuation Routes: Pre-marked safe zones for displaced families.
- Relief Camps: Temporary shelters equipped with food, clean water, and medical aid.
Despite these measures, unexpected surges in river water levels remain a major challenge, especially in rural and underdeveloped districts where infrastructure is weak.
Army’s Role in Disaster Relief
The Pakistan Army has historically played a critical role in disaster management, particularly during floods. Their contributions include:
- Search and Rescue Operations with boats and helicopters.
- Distribution of Food and Medical Supplies to displaced families.
- Construction of Temporary Shelters and Bridges in cut-off areas.
- Medical Camps offering treatment for injuries and diseases.
By calling in the army, the Punjab government aims to boost the capacity of civil institutions and reassure the public that the crisis is under control.
Political and Public Reaction
The deployment of the army has drawn mixed reactions:
- Government officials have praised the move as timely and necessary.
- Opposition leaders have criticized the provincial government for being unprepared and over-reliant on the military.
- Civil society groups have raised concerns about long-term flood prevention, urging investment in dams, water reservoirs, and drainage systems rather than ad hoc emergency responses.
Public sentiment, however, appears supportive, as citizens often see the army as a reliable institution during times of crisis.
Long-Term Solutions: Addressing the Root Causes
While immediate relief efforts are crucial, experts stress the need for long-term water and flood management policies:
- Strengthening the Indus Waters Treaty by ensuring stricter compliance and transparent data-sharing between India and Pakistan.
- Building Small and Medium Dams within Pakistan to store excess water and reduce reliance on river flow.
- Reinforcing River Embankments with modern engineering solutions.
- Upgrading Drainage Systems in Punjab’s major cities to prevent urban flooding.
- Investing in Climate Resilience since monsoon patterns are becoming more unpredictable due to climate change.
Unless these structural issues are addressed, seasonal floods will continue to devastate Punjab, regardless of immediate relief efforts.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
The decision to call in the Pakistan Army underscores the seriousness of the current flood threat in Punjab. With rising water levels and six key districts at risk, authorities are racing against time to prevent widespread destruction.
The situation once again highlights the fragile water relations between India and Pakistan, where unilateral actions upstream can create devastating consequences downstream.
While the immediate priority remains the safety of people and property, this crisis serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan to strengthen its flood management strategies and push for greater accountability under the Indus Waters Treaty.
For the people of Punjab, the coming days will be crucial as they look to the combined efforts of the army, civil administration, and rescue agencies to keep them safe from the looming floodwaters.
