Islamabad: Pakistan must urgently shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing droughts to combat the increasing threats posed by climate change, as emphasized by Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Humera Moriani. Addressing a national consultative workshop on the National Drought Action Plan (NDAP) in Islamabad, Moriani highlighted the persistent threat that drought now poses to the country’s agriculture, water resources, food security, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Federal Secretary pointed out that previous responses to drought have been primarily focused on relief rather than preparedness. She called for a coordinated policy framework and recognized the contributions of partners such as the International Water Management Institute and the Pakistan Meteorological Department in developing the Pakistan Drought Management System, which aims to provide real-time monitoring and early warnings.

Moriani emphasized that data needs to be translated into timely, evidence-based decisions and effective implementation. She noted that the Ministry of Climate Change, supported by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, has crafted the NDAP, which targets governance, early warning systems, resource mobilization, and capacity building. The workshop aimed to finalize an operational framework and roadmap for implementing the plan.