Massive losses were reported in Seetpur, Alipur, after floodwaters swept through storage centres of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASCO), destroying wheat stock worth millions of rupees. Locals described the event as a preventable disaster caused by negligence. Thousands of wheat bags were soaked and rendered unusable, dealing a serious blow to the national exchequer and sparking outrage among residents who had warned of potential damage.
Two major PASCO storage facilities were directly hit by the floods, leading to widespread destruction of stored wheat supplies. According to initial assessments, the financial impact could run into millions, exacerbating concerns about Pakistan’s food security. Despite clear flood warnings, no visible preventive measures were taken, and residents claim the tragedy could have been avoided with timely action. The failure has raised serious questions about the corporation’s preparedness and crisis management.
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The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had issued timely alerts about rising water levels in the area, urging authorities to protect essential stockpiles. However, reports suggest that PASCO officials overlooked the warnings, leaving valuable wheat supplies exposed to the floods. This lapse has intensified criticism of government agencies tasked with safeguarding national resources and ensuring food availability amid an already fragile economic environment.
Residents of Seetpur voiced their frustration over the inaction, accusing officials of ignoring repeated warnings. “This was a disaster waiting to happen. If steps had been taken earlier, these wheat bags could have been saved,” said one villager. The anger reflects growing public discontent over mismanagement, particularly at a time when food prices are climbing and inflation is straining household budgets.
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The incident has sparked wider debate about accountability within PASCO and other state-run organisations responsible for essential commodities. Analysts argue that improved risk management and stricter oversight are urgently needed to prevent such costly failures. As Pakistan continues to face natural disasters and economic challenges, experts emphasize that proactive measures and transparency are crucial to safeguarding food security and public trust.