July 2, Pakistan – On Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif instructed federal and provincial officials to step up efforts for the coming monsoon period, directing the creation of a nationwide crisis management system and emphasizing that unified measures are crucial to address increasing threats from climate change.
Leading a top-tier gathering to assess readiness for the monsoon season and strengthen climate resilience, the prime minister stated that Pakistan continues to be one of the nations most susceptible to the negative effects of climate change. He emphasized that successful and broad-based collaboration between the federal government and provincial authorities is essential in tackling climate-induced calamities.
The head of the 'Emergency Response Committee,' responsible for handling urgent situations, was approved by the prime minister, with oversight provided by the Minister of Planning and Development.
A committee made up of the NDMA along with officials from various federal departments will collaborate closely with regional governments and meet every week during the rainy season to track readiness and reaction measures, stated the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing in a news statement.
He further requested the Minister of Finance to make preliminary preparations for an emergency fund that could be accessed in case of major flood-related calamities.
In line with readiness efforts, the prime minister instructed the federal minister responsible for Climate Change along with the head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to conduct urgent trips to every province, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan this week to evaluate and wrap up preparations for the monsoon season.
He additionally highlighted that initiatives supported by global development partners must also concentrate on enhancing the organizational and technological capabilities of domestic and regional agencies and authorities.
Emphasizing the government's dedication to ensuring water safety, the prime minister announced an extra allocation of Rs330 billion in this financial year’s national budget aimed at speeding up key water-related construction initiatives. Drawing upon insights gained from past flooding incidents, the prime minister instructed all pertinent organizations to adopt a thorough plan for reducing flood risks.
He also instructed regional authorities to eliminate unauthorized settlements and address additional barriers within river corridors and flood routes, especially in areas classified as extremely susceptible to floods.
He further directed all federal and provincial organizations to utilize their complete administrative and technological capabilities to assist the general population during the monsoon period.
At the gathering, NDMA Chief Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik updated attendees regarding the nation's readiness strategies, anticipated meteorological conditions, potential flooding dangers, and changing environmental shifts.
As per the report, severe heatwaves and abnormal weather patterns are anticipated in numerous areas globally this year. Pakistan is also predicted to face extended periods of intense heat along with higher-than-average precipitation in July, raising the likelihood of floods in susceptible zones.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to accelerate support programs and enhance services for Pakistani citizens living abroad, referring to them as an important national resource and recognizing their significant role in the nation's economic growth.
The Prime Minister provided instructions at a meeting with Syed Qamar Raza, chairman of the OPF Board of Governors, and Afzal Bhatti, managing director, according to an announcement from the Prime Minister's Office.
At the meeting, talks centered around the foundation's continuous initiatives aimed at tackling challenges encountered by Pakistanis residing overseas and improving their well-being and support systems.
The head of government stated that Pakistani citizens living abroad are an invaluable resource for the country and contribute greatly to enhancing Pakistan's foreign currency reserves through the transfer of their earned earnings back home.
He directed the OPF to speed up the execution of current welfare programs and efforts aimed at foreign nationals from Pakistan and enhance effectiveness in providing services.
Showing approval of the foundation's work, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the OPF management to develop and submit an extensive strategy aimed at enhancing its services and social initiatives for Pakistani citizens abroad.
The gathering also featured an overview of a detailed plan designed to implement further actions for the well-being and ease of living for Pakistani citizens abroad.
The head of the OPF and the chief executive honored the Prime Minister for his contributions toward advancing international harmony.
