ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for concerted and vigorous efforts to address the escalating threat of climate change across the country.
Chairing a meeting in Gilgit on Monday to review the damage caused by recent rains and floods in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Climate Change to adopt a more proactive and responsive approach.
He emphasised the urgent need to mobilise funds for building climate-resilient infrastructure, noting that Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, remains among the ten countries most severely impacted by climate change.
He said that all regions of the country are facing the consequences of climate change, highlighting the critical role of the Ministry of Climate Change in dealing with this challenge.
He also commended the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations in affected areas.
As part of long-term mitigation measures, the Prime Minister ordered the establishment of a weather-related early warning system for tourist areas and the relocation of local communities from natural watercourses prone to flooding.
He announced that the NDMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, will establish an early warning and monitoring centre in Gilgit-Baltistan within the next few months.
The Prime Minister said a survey of the damage to highways and other infrastructure should be conducted, and communication links of all areas should be restored on a priority basis.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed about the recent rains, resulting flood situation and damages and the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The meeting was also informed about the progress made on the installation of the Glacial Lake Outburst Early Warning System.
The Prime Minister directed the NDMA to complete the installation of the system in collaboration with the Ministry within the next two months.
The Prime Minister also directed the Minister for Water Resources to visit Gilgit-Baltistan to complete the consultation and planning for an improved water system.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Gulbar Khan and discussed key local issues, including the aftermath of recent rains and floods.
During the meeting, the chief minister briefed the prime minister about the recent rains and flood situation and informed him about the government’s rescue and relief operations.
They also discussed the overall law and order situation and the progress of development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.
