Celebrities, Cricketers Mourn Victims of Northern Pakistan Floods

Sat Aug 16 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Prominent celebrities and cricketers have expressed grief over the devastation caused by flash floods in northern Pakistan, which have killed at least 344 people in the past 48 hours, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The NDMA reported that 328 deaths occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while 12 fatalities were recorded in Gilgit-Baltistan and 11 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Rescue operations are continuing in the affected districts including Buner, Swat, Mansehra, Bajaur and Batagram, where homes, shops and infrastructure have been washed away.

Officials fear the toll may rise further as searches continue in cut-off areas.

Singer Asim Azhar wrote on Instagram: “Today, our land weeps. The floods have taken homes, dreams, and precious lives in Pakistan. My heart aches for every mother, father, child, and soul affected. In moments like these, we must become one, one nation, one heart, one hand reaching out to another.” He urged the public to contribute to “trusted relief efforts” to support survivors.

Model and actor Nadia Hussain prayed for the country’s safety, while singer Umair Jaswal extended condolences to families of the victims, urging people to avoid travelling to northern areas to ease rescue operations.

Author Fatima Bhutto, meanwhile, questioned the scale and speed of relief efforts after what she described as “horrifying” disasters.

Cricketers also turned to social media to express solidarity. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed wrote: “Ya Allah, protect KPK, protect Pakistan. Grant shelter to the homeless, heal the wounded, and give patience to the ones who lost their loved ones. Ameen.”

All-rounder Shadab Khan said on X: “Prayers for the victims, their families, and all those affected. May Allah grant patience and ease in this difficult time.”

Former Test captain Azhar Ali posted: “The devastating floods have taken homes, dreams, and many precious lives. In this moment, we must stand united… Keep them in your prayers, and if you can, support trusted relief efforts.”

Other players, including Fawad Khan, Abid Ali and Hassan Ali, also shared prayers and appeals for support.

“Pakistan will rise again, stronger than before. InshaAllah,” Abid Ali wrote.

The floods, triggered by torrential monsoon rains, have left thousands displaced and destroyed critical infrastructure across northern Pakistan.

 

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