PM Stresses Federal-Provincial Cooperation Indispensable to Combat Climate Change

(Digital Itla) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, making full cooperation between the federation and provinces indispensable to effectively deal with climate risks.

A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review preparations for the monsoon season, potential flood situations, and climate risks, during which the readiness of federal and provincial institutions was reviewed in detail.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the Federal Minister for Climate Change, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and relevant officials to visit all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan this week to assess ground preparations ahead of the monsoon.

The Prime Minister also directed the establishment of an Emergency Response Committee under the supervision of the Minister for Planning, comprising the NDMA and relevant ministries, to ensure practical coordination and cooperation with provincial institutions. The Emergency Response Committee was directed to hold weekly meetings. Furthermore, the Finance Minister was instructed to keep emergency funds fully prepared in advance for potential floods or other natural disasters.

The Prime Minister emphasized that ongoing projects funded by international financial assistance should also be used to enhance the capacity of national and local institutions. Regarding water projects and flood risks, the Prime Minister shared that an additional 330 billion rupees have been allocated in the budget for the early completion of water projects. A directive was issued to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to tackle potential flooding.

During the meeting, provincial governments were directed to remove encroachments and other obstacles from river beds and potential flood paths. All relevant institutions were also instructed to utilize their institutional and technical capabilities for public safety and convenience during the monsoon.

Briefing the meeting on monsoon preparations, expected rains, and flood situations, the Chairman of the NDMA stated that the chances of severe heatwaves and extraordinary climate changes across the globe are highly prominent this year. In Pakistan, too, severe heat along with above-normal rainfall is expected during July.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Sardar Awais Leghari, Musadik Malik, Shaza Fatima, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Advisor to the PM Rana Sanaullah, Chairman WAPDA, along with chief secretaries of all provinces and top officials of relevant departments.