Pakistan’s geography and tropical monsoon climate make it especially vulnerable to seasonal flooding. Each summer, southwest monsoon winds sweep across the Indian Ocean, bringing intense rainfall to the region. Situated on the windward side of the monsoon system, Pakistan—along with India—receives concentrated rainfall before the Karakoram mountain range blocks the clouds from moving further north into China’s Xinjiang region. In recent years, climate change has intensified these monsoon patterns, resulting in more frequent and severe disasters.

In 2022, catastrophic floods submerged nearly one-third of the country. Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab were among the hardest-hit provinces, with thousands of lives lost and tens of millions affected. The government declared a national emergency, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “climate catastrophe.” Just three years later, in 2025, Pakistan once again faced heavy monsoon rains and flash floods. Landslides and rising waters caused widespread damage and loss of life, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

The devastation of monsoon rains

According to Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan’s Monsoon Flood 2025 Final Report (ReliefWeb, October 27, 2025), over 6.9 million people were affected nationwide. At least 4,700 villages were submerged, forcing nearly 2.9 million people into temporary shelters. A UN OCHA report (November 20) noted ongoing challenges three months later, including contaminated water in remote Punjab areas, insufficient food aid, and the early onset of winter. Punjab had the largest humanitarian aid gap, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

By mid-August, severe floods and landslides hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, displacing villages and causing a rising death toll. Later, heavy rains in India and dam discharges triggered river overflows in Punjab, submerging nearly 1,500 villages and affecting 2 million people. Agricultural losses have also been immense.

A coordinated response

As the situation unfolded, Tzu Chi closely monitored developments and began coordinating with local partners, including the We Care Foundation, Shirkat Gah, and the Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center. Through this collaboration, the partnership aims to provide food, hygiene kits, and daily necessities to 7,500 flood-affected families by the end of 2025.

Tzu Chi’s involvement in Pakistan dates back to the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, followed by relief efforts during the 2010 Sindh floods and the 2022 monsoon disasters. Guided by the principle of Collaborating for the Common Good, Tzu Chi has worked alongside local organizations to support communities across affected provinces, reaching nearly 400,000 people over the years.

In response to the 2025 floods, Tzu Chi provided funding for relief supplies, while local partners carried out on-site needs assessments, beneficiary registration, and distributions. Supplies were procured locally in accordance with international regulations, ensuring both efficiency and accountability.

Delivering essential aid

Relief efforts focused on areas with the greatest need. The We Care Foundation and the Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center each supported 3,000 families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Shirkat Gah assisted 1,500 families in Punjab. Each household received a two-month supply of food, along with eco-friendly blankets, hygiene kits, and daily necessities.

Food packages included wheat flour, rice, chickpeas, green beans, red lentils, cooking oil, sugar, tea, milk powder, and salt—enough to sustain a family of seven. Hygiene kits contained sanitary pads and underwear, while daily necessities kits included soap, detergent, combs, scissors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mosquito nets, and towels. In addition, Tzu Chi shipped 20,000 eco-friendly blankets from China, with local partners assisting in customs clearance and distribution.

Reaching the most vulnerable

Drawing on their long-standing experience, partner organizations worked to ensure that aid reached those most in need in a respectful and orderly manner. The We Care Foundation prioritized vulnerable households and individuals with disabilities, distributing assistance to 3,000 families in Buner District. The Al-Madinah Islamic Research Center focused on remote mountainous areas, overcoming difficult terrain and limited access to deliver supplies to communities that seldom receive external assistance.

While material aid can only offer temporary relief, the care conveyed through these efforts carries a deeper meaning. As Master Cheng Yen shared:

I sincerely hope this assistance can bring some relief during these difficult times and help you meet your basic needs. Beyond material aid, we wish to offer warmth, encouragement, and the hope that you can find the strength to rebuild. May the love and care you receive today inspire you to extend the same compassion to others in need.

Written by Wan-Ting Yen (顏婉婷)