Monsoon Rain in Pakistan: A Blessing or a Burden?

By: Aiman Wajid

Can just one day of rain paralyze an entire city? Lahore’s recent situation has answered this question with a loud “Yes”. Every year, as the monsoon season begins, we hear the same headlines: “Just one day of rain and Lahore is underwater!” Before each monsoon, officials make grand promises that drainage systems will be improved, preventive measures will be taken, and full preparation will be ensured—but unfortunately, these promises always turn out to be empty words. So the real question is: Why are these promises never fulfilled? Who is responsible?

In Pakistan, monsoon season lasts from July to September. It brings hope to farmers and is a source of natural blessing. The rains increase agricultural productivity by making the soil fertile. They help reduce water shortages by filling dams, rivers, and underground water reserves. The weather becomes pleasant, air becomes cleaner, and several diseases are controlled.

But if monsoon rains bring so many benefits, then why do they become a burden? The answer lies in poor planning and lack of a proper system. Pakistan lacks a permanent system to utilize this rainwater effectively. Both rural and urban areas suffer. In villages, people don’t have enough resources to store rainwater, which leads to destruction of crops and even homes. They suffer both financially and physically.

In cities, although we have built massive malls and buildings, we’ve ignored drainage and cleanliness. There’s no proper sewage system, and waste is often dumped into open drains. As a result, the rainwater overflows into streets and homes. Important places like underpasses, malls, and offices flood, bringing daily life to a standstill. Lives are lost due to electrocution and drowning. For instance, in 2022, monsoon rains caused deadly floods across Pakistan. Over 1,700 lives were lost and more than 33 million people were affected, especially in Sindh and Baluchistan. A third of the country was submerged in water. According to NDMA, Pakistan suffered losses of over $30 billion and millions of people lost their homes and livelihoods.

In 2024, just one day of heavy rain (256mm) in Lahore broke a 30-year record. Underpasses flooded, power was suspended for more than 12 hours, and many people died due to electrocution.

Recently in 2025, Rawalpindi recorded over 230mm of rain in just one spell. Water overflowed from the Nullah Lai and entered residential areas. People lost vehicles, belongings, and even homes. Similarly, districts like Jhelum, Chakwal, and surrounding areas suffered due to floodwater entering populated regions. In Jhelum, water from rivers overflowed into villages causing great damage.

So what does all this show? It clearly proves that we are heading towards disaster simply due to lack of a proper system and public awareness. Why is there no proper storage system? Why are our dams either few, damaged, or mismanaged? Another major issue is the lack of sanitation and effective sewer systems. Due to clogged drains and poor waste management, rainwater can’t flow freely and instead enters homes and buildings, destroying infrastructure and spreading diseases like dengue, malaria, and cholera.

The real cause is the lack of development and climate change, which has led to heavier and more unpredictable rains. We don’t have the capacity to manage or store this water properly. The government, local authorities, and municipal committees need to take this issue seriously. They must improve the sewage system, clean drainage channels before monsoon season, and run awareness campaigns. People should be educated about the importance of not throwing garbage in drains and about the value of community cleanliness. There must be strict laws and enforcement to ensure people follow the rules. Those who violate should face strong legal action to set an example for others. Only then will people understand the seriousness of the issue. Pakistan is a developing country. For it to truly progress, everyone must work together. Monsoon rains are a natural blessing, but without preparation, they become a disaster.

Let us treat monsoon rain as a blessing, not a burden. This is possible only if we act wisely, plan properly, and unite as a nation to turn nature’s gift into opportunity rather than tragedy.

The writer is the student of Department of Communication and Media Studies, at Fatima Jinnah women university Rawalpindi, Pakistan.