Pakistan continues to face devastation from floods, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir among the worst-hit areas. More than 700 people have lost their lives since the monsoon season began in June. Amid this national tragedy, Karachi was battered by yet another spell of monsoon rains that left the city paralysed.
On Tuesday, heavy rainfall killed at least 10 people in Karachi. Power outages lasted for hours, flights at Jinnah International Airport were disrupted, and major roads like Sharea Faisal, MA Jinnah Road and II Chundrigar Road turned into rivers.
In Soldier Bazaar, floodwaters rose to the first floor of buildings, forcing the rescue of 80 residents. Many Karachiites spent hours stranded in waist-deep water, with women walking for miles just to reach home.
As visuals of the disaster flooded social media, celebrities, writers, and journalists expressed their outrage and heartbreak.
Activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr wrote, “Our Karachi is drowning, heavy rainfall and a lack of initiative to fix the city’s infrastructure. Contractors work and pocket money while the very geography of the city is built on river deltas and flood plains, places naturally designed to collect and most importantly drain water.”
Musician Shuja Haider said, “Karachi is in dire need of justice. I question whether elections can truly bring change to what was once the city of lights. This megacity has regressed, feeling more like a small town in Sindh than the bustling metropolitan and business hub it should be.” He added that those responsible for the “chaos, frustration, and the tragic loss of life during these natural disasters should be ashamed.”
Actor Mawra Hocane shared her grief: “A city that is home to so many, a source of income for so many, a reason to dream for so many, is drowning. And this is NOT the first time… my heart goes out to Karachi and to everyone suffering. Be safe, praying for you.”
Rapper Talha Anjum turned his frustration into satire, writing, “Karachiites, don’t fear, the ajrak number plate won’t let your car or bike drown!”
Singer Farhan Saeed compared Karachi with Lahore, saying, “My heart cries for Karachi, the people of Karachi. But again, you guys keep living with it, they’ll keep making you live with it. In comparison, you see Lahore and you’d know the difference. I wish I could see Karachi rising to what its beautiful people actually deserve. Be safe!”
Actor Mariyam Nafees highlighted people’s resilience, saying, “Dreadful urban flooding scenes all around us, but I’m SO PROUD of Pakistanis — some opening their homes, businesses offering shelter, people stuck in traffic sharing snacks.”
Actor Hina Altaf wrote, “What a heartbreaking day. Floods everywhere, no electricity, loved ones stranded for hours. Cars, rickshaws, and streets drowned, gutters overflowing. This wasn’t just rain; it was yet another reminder of how vulnerable we all are in this city.”
Sanam Saeed tagged officials demanding “answers and solutions,” while Aiman Khan asked, “What is our government doing!?”
Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas also lashed out at decades of neglect: “Will anyone be held accountable. No lesson learn since 2020 when Karachi witnessed similar kind of situation after heavy rain.” He added, “For years I have been saying that this mega city of God knows how many millions, an economic hub is simply unmanageble and ungovernable as it has been ruined, looted by mafias including Real Estate and ruling elite. All institutions exposed. God help this city and its people.” Abbas further demanded transparency: “Where is Karachi’s first Master Plan. Make it public so that the people of Karachi should know why that origional plan was shelved and by whom.”
Writer Fatima Bhutto also criticised the Sindh government, saying, “What arrangements? This corrupt party can’t manage rain even as it has rained every monsoon season since the dawn of time. What do you do for the people with your power? NOTHING.”
Journalist Nadia Naqi described her ordeal, writing, “I have been on road since 4.10pm and please no one should say roads were clear. #Karachi just experienced heavy rain but failed Infrastructure and failed administration has failed it’s people. I was on the road for teaching out to a loved one who was stuck. Now on way back!”
Journalist Javeria Siddique said, “It is really sad to see Karachi in this worst condition most of the main roads and streets looking like nullahs and drains after the rainfall. The city which generates maximum revenue for Pakistan has no infrastructure planning to deal with #Monsoon.”
Senior journalist Hamid Mir summed up the frustration with one line: “Karachi didn’t drown in rain — it drowned in a sea of human errors.”
Host Dino Ali posted a note that read like an apology to the city: “Dear Karachi, I’m sorry that in 2025, just one morning of rain was enough to paralyse you… I’m sorry that we still treat the monsoon, a predictable season, as if it were an unexpected tragedy… I’m sorry that relief never comes with the downpour, only chaos, fear, and zero accountability.”
The Sindh government announced a public holiday on Wednesday (today) to “avoid inconvenience,” but for citizens, the move felt like yet another mere band-aid. Every year, the same cycle repeats: rains arrive, drains collapse, lives are lost, and only temporary fixes are offered.
