Heavy Monsoon Rains Across Pakistan: Governance Under Criticism

Islamabad: Torrential monsoon rains have inundated several cities nationwide, transforming pleasant weather into a crisis for numerous suburban areas. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, streets resemble lakes, severely impacting traffic flow and posing hardships for residents.
Critics are lambasting the government for its inadequate response to the worst aftermath of the rains. They argue that despite moderate rainfall, many areas have submerged, and major highways are waterlogged, yet the authorities have failed to implement any effective measures.
Journalist Maqsood Ali shared a video from a Rawalpindi neighborhood showing rapid water flow due to the deluge, with cars submerged. He captioned it, “Heavy downpour has drowned Rawalpindi.”
Another user, Ahmad Hassan, posted a video of flooded shops in Rawalpindi, remarking on the devastation caused to business activities. He lamented that this rainfall has completely shattered their economic stability.
Columnist Khulah Chaudhry criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, sarcastically suggesting she should visit the inundated streets of her newly constructed “lake-like alleys” in long boots.
A commenter mockingly noted that Maryam Nawaz became Punjab’s Chief Minister for the first time using ‘Form 47’ and the recent rain has exposed her ‘good governance.’ They quipped, “Governance is sinking, someone please save it.”
Arma Jaffery uploaded a video depicting post-rain conditions in Rawalpindi, urging Maryam Nawaz to don her monsoon boots and take a tour of the city, reminding her that Rawalpindi is also part of Punjab.
It’s evident that the water level in Nullah Leh has reached dangerous levels in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, prompting a rain emergency. Residents of Nadim Colony and Javaid Colony have been evacuated, with instructions to relocate to safer places in suburban areas.
Authorities are on high alert, striving to mitigate the impact of these monsoon rains, which continue to wreak havoc across the region.