Ali Anwar
Natural disasters repeatedly test human capacity and planning. When the earth shakes, rains become uncontrollable, or rivers overflow, human strategies often appear fragile. Pakistan-especially Punjab-because of its geographical location and abundance of rivers, has always been vulnerable to floods.
In recent days, heavy rains across Punjab and India’s unannounced release of water caused devastating floods. Thousands of families were affected, crops destroyed, livestock drowned, and infrastructure badly damaged. As always, the nation’s eyes turned toward the Pakistan Army, which, true to tradition, made helping the affected people its top priority.
This flood damaged not only urban areas but also completely destroyed crops in villages. Cotton, sugarcane, rice, and maize fields-all representing farmers’ year-long efforts-were submerged. In Bahawalnagar alone, hundreds of villages were drowned. Thousands of people abandoned their homes, while the collapse of bridges and roads paralyzed transport. With drinking water contaminated, the threat of epidemics grew. Schools and hospitals were also damaged, worsening the crisis. The civil administration could not manage this alone. At this critical moment, the Pakistan Army, with an organized and comprehensive strategy, stepped forward.
The first priority was to move stranded people to safety. Soldiers used boats, helicopters, and other means. Thousands were rescued and shifted to relief camps. Helicopters reached remote areas, evacuating families and delivering supplies. Women, children, and the elderly were given special attention. Soldiers risked their lives in these missions, showing both courage and determination.
Once rescue operations concluded, the next challenge was food, medicine, and shelter. The army quickly set up relief camps that provided cooked and dry rations, clean drinking water, tents, and temporary shelters. Clothes and other essentials were distributed. Medical camps were established, staffed by army doctors and nurses. Patients were treated free of cost, while emergency cases were shifted to military hospitals.
Infrastructure repair was another urgent need. Roads, bridges, and embankments were washed away, hampering relief efforts. The army’s engineering wing stepped in, repairing embankments, building temporary bridges, and restoring routes to ensure aid delivery. Crucially, these efforts were not in isolation. The army worked closely with district administrations, Rescue 1122, police, and other agencies, making relief more effective.
People in the flood-hit areas expressed gratitude, saying the army not only saved lives but gave them hope. Many believed that without the army’s timely arrival, the losses could have been far worse. Such trust strengthens the bond between the people and the armed forces.
Yet, while the army’s role has been exemplary, long-term measures are essential to reduce the impact of such disasters. The army will always be there in rescue and relief, but sustainable solutions require construction of dams and reservoirs, clearing waterways, improving floodwater management, and strengthening early warning systems. Civil institutions must build capacity to reduce overreliance on the army.
The recent flood was a major calamity that affected thousands of lives. But the courage, sacrifice, and compassion shown by the Pakistan Army will remain a golden chapter. From rescue to medical services, and from relief to infrastructure repair, the army was present on every front. It is fair to say the army is not only the guardian of borders but also the greatest hope in times of disaster. However, lasting solutions rest with government and civil institutions, which must act to ensure that natural calamities do not always turn into national tragedies.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist
