Pakistani Defense Minister: Government’s Negligence, Not India, Caused Floods

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, has pointed a finger at his own government for the catastrophic floods, absolving India of any responsibility. During an interview, he addressed the causes of the widespread flooding, placing the blame squarely on governmental failures. He highlighted the underutilization of funds allocated for flood prevention measures as a key factor contributing to the crisis. Asif defended India, stating that while intentions may be questioned, controlling water flow is beyond any nation’s capabilities. He acknowledged India’s role in releasing water from the Salal Dam, leading to overflow in Pakistan. The Minister emphasized that illegal encroachment and construction on riverbeds were the primary drivers of the disaster. He stated that the government’s failure to prevent construction in vulnerable areas directly contributed to the flood’s impact. Furthermore, he implicated corruption as a significant factor leading to the current situation, reflecting on the accumulated consequences of past actions.