Asif blames corruption, mismanagement for worsening flood damage in Sialkot

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in an exclusive conversation with SAMAA correspondent Shahzad Ahmed, voiced strong criticism of mismanagement and corruption he said had worsened the impact of recent floods in Sialkot.

Asif said the extent of flood damage has yet to be assessed, but many roads have been washed away, cutting off rural areas from urban centers. He accused influential contractors and politicians of collusion, noting that one of the project partners was even a sitting senator. "When politics, money, and influence combine, no one can hold them accountable," he said, alleging that they have destroyed Sialkot city with poorly executed projects.

The minister recalled that the project began in 2019 under the PTI government and said repeated attempts to contact the project director and contractors yielded no results. He urged the government to hold both the contractors and responsible officials accountable, warning that without accountability, "we will see this drama every year."

Asif also alleged that factories have been built inside protective embankments of the nullah, and land is being sold illegally for housing schemes. "This means even the guardians of law are involved," he said, adding that bureaucrats are acting as the country’s permanent rulers while many have foreign nationalities and run businesses abroad.

He expressed concern that the airport had been affected by water from the Chenab River and called on the district administration and airport authorities to coordinate measures to prevent future flooding. "When disasters strike, it is a sign of God’s displeasure. We must learn lessons and change our ways," Asif said.

Asif describes recent floods as a ‘man-made disaster’

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday described the recent floods as a "man-made disaster," blaming unchecked encroachments, poor planning and corruption for repeated destruction across the country.

Speaking about the crisis, Asif said Pakistan has faced severe flooding multiple times over the past 12 to 14 years. He noted that melting glaciers are intensifying the situation, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, entire river belts have been illegally occupied by people. "Sometimes we appeal to the United Nations or others for help, but we do not correct our own actions," he said.

The minister highlighted that in his home district, two rivers had entered populated areas and swept away entire settlements. He accused a company owned by a member of the upper house of parliament of causing widespread destruction in Sialkot through faulty road construction. "How do such people even reach these houses of power?" he questioned.

Asif also criticized the building of hotels and commercial setups inside riverbeds, calling it part of "political profiteering." He said Pakistan cannot wait decades for large dams and must focus on constructing hundreds of small dams and reservoirs to manage water resources. "In many areas, floodwater remains stagnant for days," he added, stressing urgent reforms in governance and accountability.