PM directs to meet challenges posed by climate change

Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed the National Disaster Management Authority to evolve a national strategy in cooperation with the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities to meet challenges posed by the climate change.

He made these remarks during his visit to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said the NEOC should take advantage of the research of experts to deal with the impacts of the climate change. He said at COP 28, Pakistan will apprise the world about the harmful impacts of the climate change.

He commended the NDMA and the NEOC for their timely predictions about natural calamities as well as for taking measures to mitigate their impacts.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar instructed NDMA to facilitate PDMAs to enhance their capacity. He also visited different sections of the NEOC and interacted with team members and officers.

During the visit, the Prime Minister was briefed on Pakistan's preparedness for disasters, post-disaster recovery efforts, and proposals for Pakistan's representation in the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP-28) to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting was informed that an action plan is in place under the NDMA to deal with disasters. This plan includes early warning two months prior to natural disasters and practical measures to mitigate their damages.

In the context of COP-28, the meeting was informed about risks Pakistan is facing in terms of climate change and geography. It was said that Pakistan is among the most affected countries by climate change, resulting in challenges such as glaciers melting, floods, GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods), snow avalanches, landslides, wildfires, and other hazards.

The meeting was also updated on monitoring high-risk areas for natural disasters using mobile disaster vehicles, satellite monitoring, and the use of modern technology by the NDMA. The NDMA ensures continuous collaboration by providing this information to provincial governments and district administrations, aiming to reduce the adverse effects of climate change-induced natural disasters.

The impact of climate change on agriculture, economy, and the fundamental infrastructure of transportation was also highlighted during the meeting.