Floods Devastated Pakistan, But Interfaith Solidarity Offered Hope
This year's floods in Pakistan damaged houses, disrupted livelihoods and displaced thousands of families.
The National Disaster Management Authority reported that since June 26, over 1,000 people have died — with the majority of deaths occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Approximately 6,509 livestock were impacted, while 12,569 homes were completely or partially damaged by the 2025 monsoon rain.
Entire villages were flooded by heavy rainfall, limiting access to clean water, food, and healthcare. Many had to abandon everything they had in order to survive and took refuge in temporary camps.
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As government resources were unable to cope with the disaster's intensity, people and humanitarian organizations from diverse religious backgrounds stepped forward to work in the flood-affected areas in interfaith solidarity. Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs were among the volunteers who worked together to establish medical relief camps, distribute ration packs, and provide safe drinking water.
A committed social worker from the Hindu faith, Subhash Chander, has seen firsthand the devastation that natural catastrophes can cause to communities.
“I always feel so helpless and compelled to take action in my capacity when I witness the destruction brought about by floods or any other natural disaster,” he said. “I wish I had the ability to end the pain right away, fix damaged houses, stop hunger, thirst, and help displaced families right away during those times.”
For Chander, putting people first during emergencies is the most essential aspect. He thinks that individual identities or faith should be secondary to our common humanity and that helping others is the purest form of worship.
“I am extremely saddened by the plight of those impacted, which reminds me that the best kind of worship is to serve others,” he said. “I want to use my abilities to at least reduce the burden on impacted families in any way I can, whether that be by setting up food and shelter or offering words of comfort.”
United Sikhs, a worldwide humanitarian organization well-known for its disaster relief efforts, was one of the active groups on the ground. United Sikhs is frequently involved in flood relief activities in Pakistan, offering food, water, medical aid, and sanitation services to impacted families irrespective of religion or faith in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, as well as being involved in cleaning sacred sites. The group also supports the reconstruction of houses and businesses as part of its longer-term recovery efforts.
Mahinderpal Singh, the manager of United Sikhs in Pakistan, said, “We follow the teachings of our religion that prioritize humanity above all else. We learned the value of humanity from Guru Nanak. His message inspires us, and we try to follow his example by putting humanity first in everything we do.”
He went on to say that a society will thrive if there is interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and support without prejudice and hatred.
The Department of Auqaf and Religious Affairs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has set up waqf, or religious, properties to provide shelter to flood victims and is evaluating damaged places of worship for rehabilitation.
Muhammad Adnan Qadri, the provincial minister for Auqaf (or charitable land) and Religious Affairs, stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is giving assistance to those impacted by the recent floods by using all of its resources. Qadri added that Auqaf department-owned properties have been made available to victims in order to assist those who have been impacted.
Many survivors have found strength in the volunteers’ responses and coming out to provide assistance, emotional support, or simply a sympathetic ear. Some local religious places provided refuge, reflecting the universal devotion to human dignity.
Locals said youth from many towns established volunteer groups, delivered food and medication by boat, and helped rescue crews get to trapped families. While the floods showed the country’s vulnerabilities to climate shocks, they also highlighted the resilience of its people.
Bilal Siddiqui, a volunteer from the Muslim community, has been working with individuals from various religions to assist and support those impacted by recent calamities through the non-profit social impact organization Hive Pakistan.
Siddiqui added that Islam teaches love for humanity — a common explanation for charity work among every volunteer interviewed.
Sadiq pointed out that Islam encourages us to assist those in need, irrespective of their faith.
“Our religion, Islam, teaches us to support every person, regardless of their religion, because our Islam teaches us to serve humanity,” he said. “Our religion has never instructed us to refrain from assisting members of any particular faith. Rather, we are instructed to assist people who are in need.”
He went on to say that he has been working in flood-affected areas with volunteers of all faiths, and none of them had any other goals than to assist and console people.
Chander remains optimistic over the strength of collective effort, even with the difficulties presented by natural disasters. He believes Pakistanis can overcome even the most difficult obstacles if everyone comes together with the aim of helping humanity.
“Natural crises remind us that we are all in this together, and I strongly believe that if we work together with a passion for serving humanity, we can make things better,” he said.
Jamaima Afridi is a dedicated freelance journalist from Pakistan who focuses on topics such as women's issues, religious freedom, climate change and refugees. Recognized nationally and internationally, she earned acclaim for her impactful storytelling, winning awards like the Lorenzo Natali Prize, #TFYoungJournalist and the Youth Impact Award for her contributions to human rights and religious freedom.