Encroachments on waterways major cause of Sialkot destruction: Khawaja Asif

Sialkot — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the recent devastation in Sialkot was mainly caused by encroachments on natural waterways, terming it a failure of local government institutions.

Speaking to the media during his visit to flood-affected areas, he noted that several streams flow from Jammu through Sialkot city, and when water enters, the city faces severe flooding. “The main cause of destruction in Sialkot is the construction on these waterways,” he stressed.

Asif said corruption has reached alarming levels, with all roads washed away in the floods but no accountability for officials or contractors. “This is the failure of our municipal institutions. Until they are strengthened, these issues will not be resolved,” he added, pointing out that nearby Narowal district also faced widespread damage.

He said the city’s infrastructure had collapsed due to the floods, and water had carved its own paths where buildings and roads blocked its natural flow.

Commending the role of the Pakistan Army, the Defence Minister said the military was performing duties that should have been carried out by civilian institutions. “The Pakistan Army fought and won wars against India, and today it is fighting natural disasters. Soldiers are saving lives and moving people to safer locations,” he remarked.