WWF-Pakistan has warned that deforestation is a major driver of the country’s worsening flood risks, but stressed that other factors including climate change, weak early-warning systems, poor infrastructure planning, and obstruction of natural waterways have also amplified recent disasters.

In a report on deforestation, forest degradation and flood risk, the organization called for precautionary, science-based management of natural forest ecosystems in mountain headwaters, which it said are vital for protecting downstream communities, safeguarding fragile watersheds, and sustaining ecosystem services.

Deforestation plays a major role in increasing Pakistan’s flood risks, but it isn’t the only factor. Climate change, absence of early-warning systems and vulnerability mapping, ill-preparedness, wrong development priorities, poorly planned infrastructure and the obstruction of… pic.twitter.com/eo18kF13Sg
— WWF-Pakistan (@WWFPak) August 29, 2025

WWF-Pakistan emphasized that conservation and sustainable management require empowering local communities, reducing poverty-driven dependence on forests, and strengthening management practices.

The report recommended preparing modern forest working and management plans, supported by independent third-party validation and monitoring.

The organization stressed that only through combined efforts can forests be conserved while minimizing the risks of devastating floods in Pakistan.

Key Factsheet: Pakistan’s Natural Forests and Flood Risks

Forest Coverage:

Pakistan’s natural forests cover only about 5% of the country’s land area, among the lowest proportions in Asia.

Deforestation and Degradation:

Despite large-scale afforestation initiatives such as the Billion Tree Afforestation Program (BTAP) and the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (TBTTP), scientific data shows continued loss and degradation of natural forests, especially in Himalayan Range, Karakoram Range, Hindu Kush Range and Suleiman Range.

Watershed Importance:

These forested ranges form the major watersheds of the Indus River system, critical for water security, ecosystem balance, and flood management.

Flood Disasters:

Pakistan has faced repeated catastrophic floods over the past three decades. The 2010, 2022, and 2025 floods rank among the most destructive in national history.

Policy Concern:

The connection between watershed forest degradation and the severity of floods has emerged as a central issue in environmental policy and disaster management.