Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal and provincial authorities to begin preparations immediately to minimize the loss of life and property during next year’s monsoon season. Chairing a high-level review meeting on the government’s climate strategy in Islamabad, the Prime Minister stressed the need for coordinated planning and swift implementation to counter the increasing threats posed by climate change.
During the briefing, officials from the Ministry of Climate Change presented global early indicators for the upcoming monsoon along with short-, medium-, and long-term national plans. The Prime Minister approved the short-term preparedness plan, instructing relevant departments to begin implementation without delay.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that climate resilience must now be part of every major national policy. He called for joint planning between the Ministry of Climate Change, the Ministry of Planning, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). These entities, he said, must work in close coordination with all provincial governments to devise a comprehensive strategy addressing the country’s long-term climate vulnerabilities.
The Prime Minister also directed authorities to prepare for the convening of a National Water Council meeting, highlighting the need to improve water management, flood control, and regional coordination before the rainy season begins. “We must prepare now to avoid any human or economic losses next year,” he said, adding that proactive steps are necessary to prevent emergencies rather than merely respond to them.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan—despite contributing almost nothing to global emissions—remains severely affected by the consequences of climate change. He highlighted that every third year, a significant portion of Pakistan’s GDP is spent on mitigating the destructive impacts of climate-related disasters, diverting scarce national resources away from essential development projects.
The Prime Minister urged immediate action on short-term measures, such as strengthening early warning systems, improving drainage and flood channels, clearing watercourses, and enhancing readiness of emergency response teams. He reiterated that the country must develop long-term climate resilience through investment in modern infrastructure and sustainable development.
