PM Shehbaz directs coordinated strategy to tackle monsoon, climate risks

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all federal and provincial ministries and public institutions to work in complete harmony and put in place a comprehensive plan to deal with the approaching monsoon season and the growing risks associated with climate change.

Presiding over a meeting in Islamabad to assess monsoon preparedness and review measures for addressing climate-related challenges, the prime minister said Pakistan ranks among the nations that are most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change.

PM Shehbaz underlined that strong coordination between the federal government and provincial administrations is vital for effectively managing climate threats at the national level.

To ensure readiness before the rains intensify, the premier directed the Minister for Climate Change and the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to undertake emergency visits to all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, during the current week to verify that all monsoon preparedness arrangements have been completed.

PM Shehbaz also approved the establishment of an Emergency Response Committee under the leadership of the Minister for Planning and Development.

The committee will include officials from the NDMA and other relevant federal ministries and will maintain close coordination with provincial authorities. It will meet every week to review preparedness levels and oversee the implementation of precautionary measures.

He further instructed the Minister for Finance to make advance arrangements for the creation of an emergency fund so that any financial requirements arising from potential monsoon-related disasters can be met without delay.

The prime minister also emphasized that development projects financed through international assistance should contribute to enhancing the capabilities of national and local institutions in dealing with climate-related emergencies.

Highlighting the government's commitment to strengthening water security, PM Shehbaz noted that an additional Rs330 billion has been allocated in the current fiscal year's budget to accelerate the completion of water sector projects across the country.

Referring to the experience gained from previous monsoon seasons, he directed all relevant authorities to implement flood prevention and emergency response measures under a comprehensive national action plan to reduce the impact of possible floods and other weather-related hazards.

He also directed provincial governments to ensure the prompt removal of encroachments and other obstructions affecting river channels and potential flood routes in vulnerable districts.

The prime minister further ordered all concerned departments to fully utilize their institutional strength and technical resources to protect citizens and provide timely assistance throughout the monsoon season.

During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed participants on monsoon preparedness, the expected rainfall pattern, possible flood situations and climate trends.

It was highlighted during the briefing that severe heatwaves and unusual climate patterns are expected globally this year.

The participants were briefed that Pakistan is also likely to experience intense heatwaves and above-normal rainfall during the current month, for which all necessary arrangements are being made under a comprehensive preparedness strategy.