Villages ruined to save elite resorts along rivers, says Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik

Federal Minister for Climate Change, Senator Musadik Malik, has said that Pakistan is plagued by an “elite culture,” where influential figures own resorts along riverbanks while poor communities are uprooted to protect these properties.

Speaking on Geo News program Geo Pakistan, Malik stated that mistrust among provinces continues to hinder consensus on dams and canals.

“Every province suspects the other of blocking water. Balochistan claims Sindh takes its share, while Sindh accuses Punjab. There is no trust,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the only solution lies in the installation of a telemetry system to monitor water flows transparently.

“Work has already begun, and it is expected to be completed within a year or so,” the minister added.

Highlighting the disparity, Malik noted that agriculture has spread inside riverbeds while the wealthy have developed private resorts on riverbanks.

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“You won’t find a poor man’s hotel there. Ten resorts belonging to the powerful are saved by destroying entire villages,” he said.

The minister also warned of the intensifying flood situation.

“Sargodha has begun to suffer. When all rivers converge at Panjnad, the flood discharge could reach one million cusecs,” he cautioned.

Malik further said that despite early warnings, some villagers resist evacuation. “In one village, 30 people refused to leave until they were persuaded. Today, that area is under water,” he revealed.

Calling for sustainable solutions, the minister stressed the need to build natural water reservoirs at the tehsil and district levels, saying such measures are essential for managing future water and flood crises.