Catholic Institutions in Pakistan Offer Refuge to People Affected by Floods

ISLAMABAD, August 22 – Catholic institutions across Pakistan, including churches and schools, are opening their doors to provide shelter and aid to flood-affected families as torrential monsoon rains continue to devastate the country. The relief efforts come after heavy rainfall and flash floods between August 15 and 19 left nearly 1,000 people injured and destroyed or damaged more than 2,400 homes, according to the United Nations.

THE SOUL OF THE LITURGY: MUSIC IN THE SERVICE OF THE SACRED

Since early July, Pakistan has endured relentless monsoon rains that triggered landslides and flash floods, killing over 650 people in two months. The situation worsened last week, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency in nine districts. Children remain the hardest hit, facing displacement, lack of education, and limited access to clean drinking water, the UN reports.

Fr. Asif John Khokhar, Vicar General of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, described the crisis as "dire", warning that rains are expected to persist for another week. “The nation is on its knees,” he said, highlighting severe challenges in communication and relief delivery due to power outages and damaged infrastructure in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Landslides have buried entire families, and priests in remote parishes are reportedly living in “life-threatening conditions”.

In response, Christian communities, through organisations like Caritas and local parishes, have mobilised resources to assist victims. “The Christian communities have begun to show solidarity and offer help, as much as they can,” Fr. Khokhar affirmed.

In the Archdiocese of Lahore, parish priest Fr. Francis Gulzar of St. Joseph’s Church confirmed that churches, schools, and community halls are now serving as shelters for displaced families. “The displaced are both Muslims and Christians. It makes no difference—we are here to help suffering, impoverished, and desperate humanity,” he stated.

Despite limited resources, faith-based organisations continue to play a vital role in relief efforts as Pakistan faces what officials are calling one of the most severe flood disasters in recent years.

Catholic Institutions in Pakistan Offer Refuge to People Affected by Floods

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