Don't blame 'divine will' for floods, says Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday urged against blaming 'divine will' for flood-related destruction, saying the real cause was unchecked construction on riverbeds and natural waterways.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said rains were a blessing from God, but their benefits turn into devastation when housing societies, commercial structures and even hotels were built along rivers and storm drains.

The minister pointed out that Pakistan cannot afford to wait decades for mega-dams, which take 10 to 15 years to complete. Instead, he urged the construction of small dams at the village level under a comprehensive national strategy.