Climate Change Disasters, Challenges and Solutions: An Article by Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri

Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Economist, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, and Deputy Chairman BoG, Minhaj University Lahore, featured in Business Daily News (August 23, 2025). A Must-read for policymakers, climate experts, and global citizens.

Pakistan is currently under the severe impact of climate change. During the recent monsoon season, from June 26 to August 2025, heavy rains and cloudbursts created devastating flood situations in the northern regions and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 700 people lost their lives and nearly 1,000 were injured during this period across the country, out of which 400 deaths were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. Overall, the number of deaths caused by heavy rains and floods has exceeded 700, with warnings of more rainfall ahead. The most severely affected districts are Bannu and Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Buner, over 150 millimeters of rain was recorded in just one hour, triggering flash floods and landslides. In this single event, more than 207 people lost their lives, and dozens went missing. This situation makes it clear that climate change is no longer just a scientific term—it is a destructive reality engulfing human lives and infrastructure.

This is not the first time Pakistan has faced such devastation. In the catastrophic floods of 2022, more than 1,760 people died, and damages worth billions of dollars were reported. However, with every passing year, the intensity of rains and floods is increasing. For instance, in July 2025, a single day of rainfall measuring 230 millimeters paralyzed the entire civic system of Rawalpindi. Experts state that the current global temperature, which is approximately 1.3°C higher than pre-industrial levels, has intensified rainfall by 22%, while some climate models suggest an increase between 40% and 80%. Cloudbursts—sudden, extreme downpours over a short period—have now emerged as a new cause of destruction in northern Pakistan. Within minutes, several centimeters of rain transform water streams in hilly areas into deadly floods. The recent rainfall in Buner and Bannu created exactly such conditions, wiping away several towns and villages.

Alongside human casualties, the financial damages are extremely alarming. In the 2025 floods alone, thousands of homes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were destroyed, millions of acres of farmland were submerged, and standing crops were washed away. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, requiring urgent relief, temporary shelter, and employment opportunities—posing a new challenge for the government. Initial estimates suggest that the destruction of infrastructure in flood-hit regions has caused an economic loss of at least 4 to 5 billion dollars, while the 2022 floods inflicted losses of nearly 30 billion dollars. Damage to roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals has drastically increased rehabilitation costs. The agricultural sector has also been hit severely, with key crops like cotton, wheat, and maize badly affected—threatening food insecurity and further inflation.

It is alarming that with each passing year, the intensity of rains and floods continues to worsen compared to previous years. Experts believe that the rapid melting of glaciers, unplanned urbanization, and unchecked deforestation have disrupted the ecological balance, resulting in recurring catastrophic floods.

From an Islamic perspective, rain is described as a great blessing of Allah Almighty. The Qur’an states: “It is Allah who sends down rain, spreading His mercy after despair.” (Ash-Shura: 28). However, when mankind spreads injustice and corruption on earth, this blessing turns into punishment. The Qur’an further warns: “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned.” (Ar-Rum: 41). Our own social behaviors are responsible for this imbalance: cutting down trees, wasting water resources, increasing carbon emissions, and deviating from natural harmony. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet ﷺ says: “If the Day of Judgment comes while one of you has a palm seedling in his hand, let him plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad). This highlights the importance Islam places on environmental preservation.

In the current scenario, we must combine Islamic teachings with modern scientific measures to protect the environment. Protecting forests, promoting alternative energy sources, ensuring fair use of water, and implementing transparent policies are essential to minimizing the impacts of natural disasters. For example, rivers and canals lose water capacity due to silt and debris; therefore, regular dredging can improve water flow and reduce flood risks by up to 20–30%. Similarly, early warning systems must be upgraded using modern technology such as satellite data, mobile alerts, community radio, and mosque loudspeakers to inform local populations in advance so they can move to safer locations.

Every district should establish “Emergency Local Disaster Response Units” equipped with boats, rescue kits, and first-aid facilities. The role of media is also crucial—through print and electronic media, educational institutions, and mosques, people must be educated about climate risks and preventive measures. Local youth should also be trained so they can safeguard themselves and others during emergencies. Illegal constructions along rivers and canals must be removed, with resettlement plans arranged in safer zones. Massive tree plantation drives should be launched, and “water catchment areas” developed to absorb rainfall, reducing risks of landslides and flash floods. In addition, dams, roads, and drainage systems must be redesigned according to modern engineering principles to withstand climatic extremes.

Climate change is now an undeniable reality—a wake-up call for Pakistan’s future, just as it is for the rest of the world. If immediate and comprehensive measures are not taken, the severity of rains and floods will continue to escalate each year. Islamic teachings urge us to uphold justice on earth, live in harmony with nature, and avoid corruption. When humans cut down trees, damage the environment, and act unjustly, Allah’s mercy turns into calamity. Therefore, in line with our religious principles, we must restore balance with nature while simultaneously strengthening disaster management on modern scientific foundations. Only this path can safeguard our lives, economy, and future generations.