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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken urgent notice of a worsening waterlogging situation in Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave after a formal complaint was made by the Ambassador of the Netherlands. The ambassador reached out to the Prime Minister directly to raise concerns about severe flooding outside the Dutch embassy, including water entering and flooding the basement of the diplomatic premises.
Three-Day Flooding Crisis Blamed on Underpass Construction
The flooding, now persisting for over three consecutive days, is situated in one of the highest-security areas of the capital. The root cause is reportedly linked to construction activities for the nearby Serena Hotel underpass. During the project, a natural stormwater drain—critical for rainwater management—was allegedly blocked with debris and soil. This obstruction has caused stormwater to back up into the enclave during recent heavy rains.
CDA Faces Criticism Over Delayed Response
Despite the gravity of the issue and the sensitive nature of the area, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has reportedly failed to address the flooding in a timely manner. The stagnant water has caused not only inconvenience to diplomatic personnel but also raised concerns over health, safety, and operational functionality of embassies in the enclave.
The Prime Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with CDA’s lack of urgency and failure to proactively resolve the situation. He has since instructed the relevant departments to begin immediate drainage and rehabilitation operations.
Drainage System Being Traced
Authorities have now begun efforts to trace the original path of the stormwater drain, which is believed to be essential for restoring proper water flow. Reconstruction or clearing of the drain is expected to follow, depending on the findings of the initial assessment. Meanwhile, as a preventive measure, road access from the Diplomatic Enclave to Murree has been closed to limit traffic disruption and further complications.
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PM Orders Comprehensive Report and Long-Term Fixes
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all concerned departments, including the CDA and Ministry of Interior, to submit a comprehensive report outlining the causes of the flooding, reasons for the delay in mitigation, and accountability for negligence. He has also ordered an immediate technical assessment to upgrade and improve the drainage infrastructure in the area to prevent future occurrences.
High-Level Investigation Expected
A high-level investigation into the matter is expected to be initiated to determine who is responsible for the blockage of the stormwater system and why it went unnoticed until it impacted a foreign mission. Disciplinary action against those found negligent is also being considered.
Diplomatic Safety a Top Priority, Says PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the safety and operational continuity of foreign missions are a top priority for the Government of Pakistan. He underscored the importance of treating all diplomatic entities with the utmost respect and ensuring they are not subjected to environmental or infrastructural negligence.
“No foreign mission should face such avoidable challenges. It is our responsibility to maintain a secure, functional, and professional environment for our diplomatic partners,” the Prime Minister said, while urging relevant authorities to make sure such issues are not repeated in the future.
