Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caritas Pakistan
Karachi (Agenzia Fides) – "We are deeply saddened by the suffering caused by the severe floods. The Church stands with the affected families with prayers and actions. Caritas Pakistan has launched relief programs, and we ask all our faithful, local and international partners for their continued support," Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, President of Caritas Pakistan, told Fides. In Karachi, the city government has declared a state of emergency and new flood warnings and further torrential rains have been reported in the southern province of Sindh. At least seven people have been killed in the floods in the city of Karachi, and there is widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
"This is a national emergency. We are mobilizing emergency aid in various flood-affected areas, such as the Bruner district in the north. Our teams are on the ground assessing needs and providing food, shelter, and medical supplies," Amjad Gulzar, Executive Director of Caritas Pakistan, told Fides. Caritas Pakistan has mobilized its resources to respond quickly to the flood disaster. Caritas teams are conducting assessments and coordinating relief efforts. "Volunteers are working closely with district authorities, visiting flood-affected areas, conducting assessments, and maintaining contact with the affected communities to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most," explains Gulzar.
Gulzar reports that "Caritas has planned assistance for 2,500 flood-affected families (approximately 17,500 people) by distributing food parcels, hygiene kits, and drinking water (250 have already been distributed). Fifteen free medical camps have been set up to treat the most common diseases caused by the floods and are providing shelter kits for displaced people who have lost their homes." In addition, he adds, "hygienic education is being provided to prevent epidemics."
A particular focus is on the Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and other areas where the devastation was particularly severe. "Caritas teams are prioritizing isolated and inaccessible communities, particularly through mobile health units, to provide basic health care, prevent disease, and deliver vital humanitarian assistance," explains the Caritas Executive Director.
"As Caritas Pakistan, we are currently calling on donors, partners, and civil society organizations to join forces to respond to this humanitarian crisis. Immediate assistance is needed to save lives, protect families, and restore dignity to those affected," said Gulzar.
Since late June, heavy monsoon rains have caused flooding in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As of August 23, according to the National Disaster Management Authority, over 750 people have died and 1,500 injured nationwide. Infrastructure damage includes over 461 km of damaged roads, 152 destroyed bridges, approximately 2,000 completely destroyed and 4,000 partially damaged houses, and over 1,100 dead animals. In mid-August, a catastrophic storm in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Buner district alone claimed over 400 lives, including at least 30 children, and left over 150 people missing. According to forecasts, the severe weather warning will remain in effect until early September. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 25/8/2025)
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