PM Shehbaz directs early preparedness for next monsoon, implementation of short-term plan

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged authorities to kickstart preparations well in advance to minimize loss of life and property during next year’s monsoon season.

Chairing a high-level meeting on measures to tackle monsoon-related risks, he approved the short-term plan presented by the Ministry of Climate Change and stressed the importance of implementing it without delay.

He instructed the Ministry of Climate Change, the Ministry of Planning, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate closely with provincial governments to ensure a unified and integrated approach to climate-related planning.

The prime minister also emphasized the need to convene the National Water Council to develop national-level strategies for effective water management.

PM Shehbaz pointed out that, as a developing country, Pakistan has repeatedly had to divert a significant portion of its GDP to address the adverse effects of climate change—resources that could otherwise have been invested in developmental projects.

He lamented that, despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country continues to bear severe consequences of climate change.

Officials briefed the prime minister on global forecasts and indicators for the next monsoon, and the Ministry of Climate Change presented short, medium, and long-term strategies aimed at reducing potential losses and strengthening preparedness for the season.