NDMA Chairman calls for collective action to cope with negative impacts of climate change

Islamabad (Web Desk): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik has emphasized the need for collective action to deal with the growing negative effects of climate change across the country.

While addressing a media briefing in Islamabad on Monday, he stated that Pakistan currently stands as the fourth most climate-vulnerable country in the world, facing increasing exposure to extreme weather conditions and other environmental disruptions.

The NDMA chairman also pointed out that since January 2025, Pakistan has slipped into the 14th position globally among countries facing severe water scarcity, reflecting a deepening resource crisis.

General Inam Haider Malik said that weather-related and hydro-meteorological disasters are inflicting nearly four billion dollars in annual economic losses, putting significant strain on the national economy.

He added that NDMA now has the capacity to anticipate potential disasters well in advance throughout the year, which helps ensure that response teams get sufficient time to prepare and act effectively.

Highlighting shifting seasonal patterns, the NDMA chief noted that winters in Pakistan are becoming noticeably shorter, while the duration of the summer season is expected to extend further this year.