Disaster In Disguise: How Pakistan's Flood Rescue Plan Leaves Trail Of Death

Pakistan floods: In a glaring display of the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government’s incompetence and mismanagement, flood "rescue operations" have turned into a national tragedy. The so-called rescue operations left over dozens dead and thousands stranded. What was meant to save lives has instead exposed the glaring failures of state machinery. The ill-equipped, poorly coordinated, and recklessly executed exposed the Sharif government's inability to secure lives.

Pakistan floods: Who is responsible for disastrous rescue operation?

As boats sink, evacuation plans collapse, and warnings arrive too late, the government’s chaotic response has done little more than increase the intensity of disaster. This isn’t just a natural calamity— it’s a man-made catastrophe fueled by apathy, corruption, and criminal negligence at the highest levels.

Pakistan so-called flood rescue operation

On Friday, at least 10 flood victims, including children, were killed when three boats capsized in Pakistan's Punjab province during a rescue operation. According to an official of the Punjab Emergency Services Rescue 1122, a massive evacuation is underway in South Punjab as floodwater submerged hundreds of villages there. "During an evacuation operation, three boats near Multan and Bahawalnagar capsized, resulting in the death of 10 flood victims, including children. However, the rescuers saved 40 others from drowning," he said.

Earlier on September 6, at least five people were killed and over a dozen rescued after a boat evacuating residents capsized in flood-hit southern Punjab province of Pakistan, the disaster agency said. The disaster management authority said the boat overturned in Multan district due to strong currents.

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On August 15, five people died in a helicopter crash during a disaster relief mission. “An MI-17 helicopter of the provincial government, carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to bad weather," Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement. "Five crew members, including two pilots, were killed."

Similarly, five Pakistan army personnel, including two officers, were killed on September 1 after their helicopter crashed in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. An MI-17 helicopter, on routine training, attempted to “crash-land” after developing a technical fault, the army said in a statement, adding that the accident occurred at around 1 a.m. near Hudor village, about 12 kilometres away from Thakdas Cantonment, in Diamer.

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How Pakistani government failed in saving lives every year

The death toll from the recent flash floods in Pakistan rose to over 900. However, local media reports indicate the toll could be higher as multiple rescue plans are underway. As the waters slowly receded, what remains is not just the wreckage of homes and lives, but the undeniable failure of a government that abandoned its people when they needed it most. The death toll is not just a number, it's a damning indictment of a system that collapses under pressure, year after year. Until Pakistan’s leadership takes real responsibility, invests in disaster preparedness, and values human life over political posturing, such “rescue operations” will remain nothing more than death sentences in disguise.

(With inputs from agencies)