From Defense to Disaster: Pak Army Serving the Nation in All Domains

The scale of the 2025 floods, in terms of both human and economic impact, is one of the largest natural disasters in Pakistan’s recent history. Thousands of homes are destroyed, huge areas of farmland are submerged, livestock perished in large numbers, and critical infrastructure such as bridges, power lines, and water systems are collapsed under the force of the water. Amid this national disaster, the Army took the lead not only in immediate emergency relief but also in longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Engineers from the Army Corps of Engineers are dispatched to rebuild roads and restore essential connectivity in areas that had been isolated from the rest of the country. Field hospitals are established in flood-affected areas where civilian health services were non-functional. Medical teams are providing vaccinations, treating waterborne diseases, and offering maternal and child healthcare services to the displaced population. The Army’s logistical capabilities allowed for the smooth distribution of relief goods, preventing hoarding, price gouging, or chaos, which are often seen during such emergencies when civilian management is lacking.

The sincerity of the Pakistan Army in disaster operations lies not just in their operational efficiency, but in their empathetic and people-centered approach. Unlike contractors or outsourced responders, the Army personnel deployed during such operations do not treat this as a job—they treat it as a moral obligation. Repeatedly, pictures and videos have appeared showing soldiers carrying elderly people on their backs, comforting crying children, distributing food with their own hands, and sharing tents with displaced families. This connection with the people, built through decades of service during natural calamities, has created an unmatched level of trust between the Army and the citizens of Pakistan. The 2025 floods are no exception. Across the length and breadth of the country, civilians have welcomed Army units with open arms and have expressed deep gratitude for their presence. Social media is inundated with videos and posts praising the efforts of the soldiers, and countless eyewitnesses have testified to the selflessness and professionalism of the Army’s disaster response teams.

What further emphasizes the Army’s unique role is the contrast with the performance of many civilian institutions during the same disaster. While some provincial and local government officials are absent, slow to react, or caught in administrative confusion, the Army is functioning with clarity and purpose. Political interference, corruption, and bureaucratic delays—longstanding issues in civilian disaster management—are not seen in the Army-led operations. Every unit has a clear command structure, defined responsibilities, and a mission-oriented mindset. Relief supplies are delivered where needed, camps are established without delay, and coordination with other agencies, including international humanitarian organizations, is carried out smoothly. The Army is not working in isolation but also facilitating the efforts of NGOs and other stakeholders by providing security, transportation, and communication support. This coordination has ensured that aid is not duplicated in some areas while others are neglected, a common issue in disaster zones when civilian oversight is weak.

Beyond the physical rescue and relief work, the moral and psychological support provided by the Army during the recent floods cannot be underestimated. In times of natural disaster, panic and despair can spread as quickly as the waters themselves. The presence of uniformed, disciplined, and courageous soldiers in flooded towns and villages has provided a vital sense of order and security. Looting, violence, and social unrest, which often afflict disaster-hit regions, are minimal due to the Army’s strong presence and community engagement. Soldiers didn’t just help physically—they have offered mental comfort and dignity to people who has lost everything. For a nation struggling with economic pressures, social divisions, and political instability, this solidarity is a much-needed source of national unity and resilience.

The Army’s work during the recent floods is also being widely recognized on the international stage. Foreign diplomats, international humanitarian agencies, and global media outlets have praised Pakistan’s disaster response—specifically the role of its military in ensuring swift, effective, and humane action. This not only helps in shaping a positive image of Pakistan globally but also builds credibility that can facilitate international cooperation and aid in future crises. It proves that the country has institutions capable of delivering under pressure, and among those, the Pakistan Army stands at the forefront.

The recent floods have once again revealed the vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s civilian disaster management systems but have also reaffirmed the extraordinary role of the Pakistan Army as the guardian not only of borders but also of the people’s safety and dignity during times of natural catastrophe. From the earliest rescue missions to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts, the Army has led from the front with professionalism, compassion, and an unshakable sense of national duty. Much like the unforgettable response to the 2005 earthquake and the massive floods of the past, the Army’s performance in recent flood has cemented its place in the hearts of the Pakistani people. It is not just a military force—it is a symbol of unity, hope, and service in the face of adversity. As the nation continues to recover and rebuild, the gratitude of the people and the respect for the armed forces grow stronger, reinforcing the timeless bond between the Pakistan Army and the citizens it serves with such honor and dedication.

It is a source of great satisfaction and pride for the people of Pakistan that the Pakistan Army remains actively at the forefront across all domains simultaneously, maintaining its firm grip and unwavering focus in every area of responsibility. Recently, the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, emphasized that, following the directives of the Prime Minister and the Filed Marshal, relief operations are fully underway in the flood-affected regions. He highlighted the immense sacrifices made during these operations, revealing that sons of the nation have been martyred and others injured while serving their fellow citizens in these difficult times. He affirmed that the Army, along with all its officers and personnel, stands firmly beside the people during every crisis. No position on the working boundary has been abandoned, and anti-terror and anti-foreign elements operations continue with full force. He made it clear that no false power or malicious force can create division or weaken the bond between the Army and the nation. Whether it be floods, day or night challenges, times of war or peace, the Pakistan Army remains resolutely with the people.

According to the DG ISPR, specialized flood relief units have been deployed in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir, including one engineer brigade, nineteen infantry units, and seven engineering units currently active in the field. Army helicopters have so far conducted twenty-six flights as part of ongoing relief efforts. In Gujranwala, six infantry units and two engineering units are on the ground, while in Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, four units have been kept on standby to respond as needed. Medical battalions and additional units have also been deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to assist in rescue and health services. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry further noted that Army engineers, working in coordination with the civil administration, have successfully cleared 104 roads, including the reopening of the vital Karakoram Highway, ensuring restored connectivity to previously cut-off areas. A major rescue mission is underway in Kartarpur, where substantial relief efforts are being conducted. So far, around 225 tons of food have been distributed among flood victims, and medical assistance has been extended to over 20,000 people. Air relief operations have also been carried out in the difficult terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, where swift Army intervention has brought much-needed aid to those severely impacted by the floods.

In every challenge faced by the nation—be it defending the borders, restoring peace in turbulent times, or reaching out with timely aid during natural disasters—the Pakistan Army has consistently stood as a pillar of strength and resilience. Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices, often made in silence, have earned them not just respect but deep-rooted pride in the hearts of the people. From the frontlines of defense to the frontlines of disaster relief, the Pak Army continues to serve selflessly, embodying the spirit of unity, service, and patriotism. As the nation looks ahead, the unwavering trust of the people in their armed forces remains a powerful testament to the enduring bond between the army and the citizens it protects.