The floods that have once again submerged parts of Pakistan have become an annual, heartbreaking ritual. But even amidst the expected devastation, a new layer of tragedy has emerged, one that speaks volumes about our persistent failures: the recent boat capsizing accident in Jalalpur Pirwala. At least four people, including children and a woman, lost their lives not to the flood itself, but to a rescue effort that went catastrophically wrong. Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s expression of grief and condolences is a necessary and humane gesture, yet it must be seen as only the first step. The nation’s sorrow demands more than sympathy; it requires a solemn commitment to systemic change.

The victims of this disaster were not strangers to peril; they were fleeing their homes, seeking safety from the rising waters of the Chenab River. They placed their trust in the very systems meant to protect them—a rescue boat—only to be met with a cruel and preventable fate. Initial reports suggest the boat, burdened with passengers, struck a tree in the darkness and strong currents. This is not an act of nature alone. It is a grim testament to the lack of adequate equipment, safety protocols, and proper training for rescue personnel operating in perilous conditions. A life jacket could have been the difference between life and death for those who could not swim. The absence of these basic safety measures turns a natural disaster into a man-made one.

This incident, and the broader flood crisis, serves as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, a point the Prime Minister himself has rightfully highlighted. However, while we continue to rightly call on the international community to take responsibility, we must also look inward. Our vulnerability is exacerbated by our own shortcomings. Years of reactive, rather than proactive, disaster management have left communities exposed and infrastructure fragile. Comprehensive, long-term flood mitigation plans, robust early warning systems, and a well-equipped, professional rescue service must be a national priority.

The Prime Minister’s call for more effective relief operations and better coordination with provincial governments is a welcome directive. But what is needed now is a firm, public commitment to accountability. An inquiry into why the boat was overloaded or why life jackets were not provided is a crucial first step. More importantly, it must lead to enforceable regulations and investment in the infrastructure of safety. The tears and condolences offered to the grieving families of Jalalpur Pirwala are sincere, but the only true and lasting tribute we can pay to the departed souls is to ensure that their sacrifice leads to a safer future for those who remain. The cycle of grief and neglect must be broken, and it must begin now.