Pakistani Minister’s Reaction to Floods: ‘Store the Water, It’s a Blessing’

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, has sparked outrage with his statements concerning the ongoing floods. He suggested to affected citizens that the flood is a blessing and they should store the floodwater. In an interview, Asif remarked that the floods are a fortunate circumstance amidst global water scarcity. He advised those protesting the situation to focus on storing the water. He noted that a large dam for water storage is not currently an option. He further stated that the government is not to blame for the floods, holding local governments accountable due to encroachment and alterations to water courses. The floods have severely impacted Punjab, affecting about 2 million people directly, and causing 41 deaths. The total death toll across Pakistan has reached approximately 850, with the government’s relief efforts facing challenges.