Karachi Floods: Celebrities React with Anger, Grief, Hope

Karachi faced yet another crisis on Tuesday as heavy monsoon rains brought life in the city to a standstill. The downpour led to severe flooding, power outages, flight delays, and widespread damage. At least seven to eight people lost their lives as roads turned into rivers and entire neighbourhoods were submerged.

Across Pakistan, the 2025 monsoon season has been deadly, claiming over 670 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir since June. In Karachi, key roads like Sharea Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, and I.I. Chundrigar Road were underwater, leaving vehicles stranded and commuters helpless. Jinnah International Airport also experienced major delays.

In response to the disaster, the Sindh government declared August 20 a public holiday, urging citizens to stay indoors. But even with reduced traffic, floodwater remained, and more rain is expected—raising fears of fresh flooding.

What stood out this time was the emotional outcry from Pakistan’s entertainment industry, as celebrities used their platforms to express grief, frustration, and solidarity.

Singer Shujah Haider raised a serious question about the city’s future, asking, “Can elections truly rescue this city that once glowed with prosperity but now feels like a forgotten town?”

Poet Mahira Hussain (Maura) mourned the city’s broken state, writing, “Karachi, home to millions and their dreams, is drowning—and it’s not the first time.”

Adding dark humour, rapper Talha Anjum mocked the chaos by saying, “Karachiites, don’t panic—your cargo plates won’t save your bike from drowning!”

Actor Farhan Saeed extended support from Lahore, warning, “The more you endure, the more they’ll force you to.”

Yet amid the pain, there were messages of hope. Maryam Nafees highlighted how Karachi’s people showed unity and kindness, with strangers sharing food, opening their homes, and helping one another.

Actress Hina Altaf shared an emotional reflection: “This wasn’t just rainfall—it was confirmation of how vulnerable we all are.”

Sanam Saeed openly questioned the authorities, asking, “Where are they? What is our government doing?”

Radio host Dino Ali summed up the frustration of many: “In 2025, a morning shower still paralyzes you. Even a predictable monsoon hits like a catastrophe.”

These powerful voices show that while climate change is a serious global issue, poor governance, weak infrastructure, and lack of planning have made its impact much worse in Karachi. Until leadership takes strong action, citizens will continue paying the price—not just in flooded streets, but in lost lives and fading hope.