ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the government is in the final stages of preparing a comprehensive strategy for the construction of water reservoirs and the enhancement of water management across Pakistan, including all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
He stressed that the development of these reservoirs would be carried out in consultation with provincial governments, ensuring coordination at every level. Underscoring the urgency of the issue, the Prime Minister noted that climate change is a stark reality, and only proactive planning can mitigate the damage caused by natural disasters.
Highlighting the importance of collective effort, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the federation, provinces, and regions must work together to safeguard the population from climate challenges. He identified climate change adaptation and effective water management as national priorities that demand unity and shared responsibility.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, work is already underway, following his directives, to formulate a policy aimed at ensuring a timely response to monsoon-related disasters and other climate impacts. A working paper for this policy will soon be circulated to all provincial governments in order to develop a coordinated action plan.
The statement further added that once the current emergency stabilises, the Prime Minister will convene a high-level meeting with the chief ministers of all provinces, along with the heads of relevant institutions. The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan will also take part in the session to finalise long-term measures.
