Blames deforestation, mismanagement for KPK Floods;
By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: – President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mian Abu Zar Shad, has expressed deep grief over the loss of more than 400 lives, destruction of villages, and the displacement of thousands due to recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
Read also: LCCI establishes Rs3 m emergency fund for flood-hit brothers in KP
He said that while heavy monsoon rains and cloudbursts played their part, human negligence was equally responsible. Ruthless deforestation in hilly regions had weakened the soil’s ability to absorb water, he noted, while illegal constructions along rivers and streams, poor maintenance of dams and barrages, and absence of early evacuation planning worsened the disaster. Climate change, Shad warned, was further intensifying extreme weather events in Pakistan.
Announcing immediate relief efforts, the LCCI President revealed that an initial fund of Rs. 3 million—Rs. 2.5 million from the chamber and Rs. 500,000 from his personal contribution—had been set up. With support from friends and well-wishers, nearly Rs. 10 million had already been dispatched to assist flood-hit families.
“Emergency relief is critical, but we must also focus on long-term solutions,” Shad stressed. He urged the government to build new dams and reservoirs, install modern flood alarm systems, remove encroachments from flood paths, and take joint action with civil society for forest protection and large-scale plantation.
“This is the time for compassion, solidarity, and decisive action. Together, we can help our fellow citizens recover and build resilience for the future,” the LCCI President added.
