Peshawar, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on his visit to Peshawar, emphasized the need for robust planning and a solid institutional framework to effectively address natural calamities, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of Pakistan to climate change. His discussions with the victims of recent rains and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted the critical importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of such disasters.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister pointed out Pakistan’s particular susceptibility to climate-induced disasters, referencing the catastrophic floods of 2022 and the recent torrential rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that resulted in the loss of approximately forty lives. These events underscore the urgent need for Pakistan to bolster its disaster management capabilities to safeguard its population and infrastructure against the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.
In his interactions, Prime Minister Sharif lauded the efforts of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the chief secretary, district administrations, and all individuals involved in the rescue and rehabilitation operations for the rain-affected people. He also noted that compensation has been distributed among the injured and the families of the deceased, acknowledging the government’s immediate response to the crisis.
The Prime Minister’s call for stronger disaster management and preparedness measures reflects a recognition of the broader challenges posed by climate change to Pakistan. It highlights the necessity for a strategic approach to disaster risk reduction that includes both immediate relief efforts and long-term planning to build resilience against future calamities.
As Pakistan continues to face the adverse effects of climate change, the emphasis on enhancing the country’s disaster management infrastructure and capabilities is expected to become increasingly central to national policy discussions. The government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through improved planning and institutional strengthening aims to protect lives and livelihoods, ensuring that Pakistan can better withstand and recover from the impacts of natural disasters.