Floods in Pakistan: Encroachments, Weak Planning, and the Urgent Need for Redefining Riverbeds
By Arif Hasan
Karachi: Every time Pakistan faces devastating floods, four terms dominate public debate: “master plan,” “land use,” “encroachment,” and “riverbed.” Traditionally linked to urban planning, these concepts are now being challenged by the growing impacts of climate change. If Pakistan is to survive recurring climate disasters, these ideas need a complete redefinition.
Outdated Planning vs. New Realities
Formal settlements in Pakistan are typically guided by zoning rules. For example, KDA regulations assign 45% of project land for housing, 25% for roads, 12% for commercial activity, and the remainder for public amenities. But with climate risks rising, cities now require larger allocations for open spaces, recreational facilities, and drainage systems to withstand floods.
Informal settlements, which provide more than half of Pakistan’s housing stock, copy these formal procedures in hopes of eventual regularization. These settlements have their own ecosystem of land brokers, small-scale developers, designers, and financiers. Ignoring their role will only deepen unplanned, ad hoc growth.
Encroachments and the Politics Behind Floods
A key reason behind repeated flooding is encroachment on waterways. Homes and housing schemes have been built directly on natural river paths, blocking the flow of water. While the public often blames encroachers, such large-scale violations could never happen without the support or negligence of government officials, politicians, and at times the judiciary.
Bribes, backdoor approvals, and political favors have allowed mega housing projects in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Completely removing these encroachments may be nearly impossible because of the vast scale, financial losses, and displacement it would cause. Instead, Pakistan must adopt a negotiated, phased approach backed by law and institutional reforms.
The Need for Mapping Waterways
Flood control in Pakistan cannot succeed without comprehensive mapping of rivers, tributaries, and distributaries. Yet, in most cases, no such mapping exists, and city plans often ignore natural drainage patterns altogether.
Future housing approvals must include:
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Contour mapping to define land slopes.
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Accurate distance calculations from flood-prone rivers.
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A broader definition of “riverbeds,” extending beyond the river itself to cover floodplains.
Balancing Development and Environment
To prevent future disasters, Pakistan must protect land between rivers and floodplains, using it for forests, scrubland, or alternative agriculture. This will inevitably reduce real estate opportunities but will create a healthier, climate-resilient environment.
Urban housing needs, meanwhile, can be met by high-density developments beyond floodplains supported by updated zoning regulations.
Preparing Future Planners
None of these solutions are easy. They demand legal frameworks, strong institutions, and academic reform. Future architects and planners must be trained in climate-resilient urban design and encouraged to go beyond traditional teaching methods.
Moreover, Pakistan’s rivers cannot be studied in isolation. A regional perspective is vital—considering river systems of India, Kashmir, Tibet, and Afghanistan—to better understand the shared challenges of climate change.