Islamabad: A member of the National Assembly on Wednesday expressed concern over the persistent flooding of residential areas in Islamabad, blaming the issue on unchecked development of illegal housing societies along riverbeds and the overflow of streams from the Margalla Hills.
Speaking during the National Assembly’s Question Hour, PPP lawmaker Shahida Rehmani criticised the lack of regulatory oversight, stating that “illegal housing societies are being developed without regulation, and several parts of Islamabad remain submerged even today.” She urged the House to take the matter seriously, warning that unplanned urban expansion is putting lives and infrastructure at risk.
Responding to the concern, Minister of State for Climate Change Shizra Mansab Ali acknowledged the growing challenges posed by climate change and its impact on urban areas. She stated that the government is taking steps to improve floodwater storage and management systems and is working to strengthen the resilience of buildings while removing encroachments that exacerbate flooding.
“Deforestation is also a major driver of climate change,” she added, highlighting how environmental degradation is compounding flood risks in urban settings.
To address these challenges, the minister noted that the government has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to launch the Recharge Pakistan initiative, a project focused on sustainable rainwater storage and groundwater recharge solutions aimed at reducing the impact of floods.
Meanwhile, on a separate matter, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary informed the House that the prime minister has constituted a committee to address grievances of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees. He noted that while voluntary separation schemes (golden handshakes) are being offered, efforts are underway to minimise compulsory layoffs through dialogue.
The National Assembly session reflected rising concern over both environmental threats and labour issues, with lawmakers urging swift, structured responses from the government.
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