8 September,2025
India has released more water into the Sutlej River, raising fears of an extremely high-level flood in Pakistan’s Punjab region. Officials confirmed that New Delhi had informed Islamabad through diplomatic channels about the additional water discharge, which Pakistan sees as another act of “water aggression” and a possible breach of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Ministry of Water Resources in Islamabad immediately issued an emergency alert to all concerned departments, including irrigation, health, local government, communications, and livestock, directing them to remain on high alert. Citizens in flood-prone areas have also been urged to take precautionary measures.
According to the Indian High Commission, two key points—Harike and Ferozepur—are already facing the risk of extremely high flood levels. Responding to the warning, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has directed commissioners of Lahore, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions, as well as deputy commissioners of multiple districts including Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Muzaffargarh, to ensure preparedness.
Heavy monsoon rains have further worsened the situation. In the last 24 hours, widespread rainfall was recorded across Punjab: Jhelum (96mm), Jhang (77mm), Khushab’s Noorpur Thal (70mm), Khanewal (55mm), Layyah (42mm), Rawalpindi (34mm), and several other districts also received significant showers. The 10th monsoon spell is expected to continue until September 9, with more heavy downpours forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot, among others.
The PDMA has also warned of flash flooding in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan until September 9. With rivers already swelling, officials fear that further rain may trigger a dangerous chain of floods in downstream areas.
