Resorts of Influential Figures Saved at the Cost of Entire Villages: Senator Musadik Malik

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Musadik Malik, has criticized the prevalence of “elite culture” in Pakistan, alleging that entire villages have been demolished to protect riverfront resorts owned by powerful individuals.

Speaking on Geo News program *Geo Pakistan*, Malik said that distrust among provinces over water distribution remains a major challenge. *“Every province doubts the other when it comes to dams and canals. Balochistan suspects Sindh, Sindh claims it is deprived of its share, and there is no consensus when these issues are discussed,”* he remarked.

He added that the only solution to eliminate this mistrust is the installation of telemetry systems to monitor water flow. *“Work has already begun, and it is expected to be completed within a year or so,”* he noted.

On the issue of river encroachments, the minister pointed out that farming is being carried out inside riverbeds, while influential people have established resorts along the riverbanks. *“You won’t find a poor man’s hotel there. Entire villages have been uprooted just to save ten resorts belonging to the powerful,”* he said.

Highlighting the flood situation, Malik stated that Sargodha is already being affected, and once all rivers converge at Panjnad, a massive flood wave of up to one million cusecs is expected.

He further revealed that timely warnings allowed authorities to evacuate people and livestock from vulnerable areas. *“In one village, 30 people initially refused to leave, but after much persuasion, they were evacuated. Today, that area is submerged,”* he said.

The climate minister stressed the urgent need for natural water reservoirs at the tehsil and district levels. *“If we don’t have local water storage, what will we do in the future? We must build natural reserves everywhere,”* he emphasized.