ISLAMABAD: Federal ministers have reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and minimizing damage through a coordinated response during the monsoon season. During a visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, ministers expressed their resolve to tackle challenges posed by climate change, including flash floods and landslides.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Musadik Malik, Mueen Wattoo, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Attaullah Tarar, highlighted the government’s proactive measures initiated before the onset of monsoon rains. Ahsan Iqbal noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had established a committee to ensure an effective response through a whole-of-government approach.

Musadik Malik outlined a comprehensive strategy for protecting hilly, plain, and urban areas from monsoon impacts. Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the challenges of rapid population growth and climate change, noting efforts to strengthen climate resilience under the World Bank’s ten-year Country Partnership Framework. Attaullah Tarar mentioned the dissemination of timely weather forecasts in coordination with the NDMA.

Rana Tanveer Hussain pointed out the importance of reinforcing district-level response agencies, especially given the agricultural sector’s struggles with heavy rains. Mueen Wattoo discussed enhancing water storage capacity and expressed optimism about the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. The ministers received a briefing on NDMA’s steps to manage the monsoon rains effectively.