Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat convened at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters to assess Pakistan’s climate preparedness and disaster management strategies. The meeting, chaired by Senator Rana Mehmood Ul Hassan, focused on the country’s vulnerability to climate change and the measures being implemented to address these risks.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee was briefed by NDMA and the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) on the increasing threats posed by climate change, including heatwaves, glacier melting, droughts, and flash floods. Emphasizing Pakistan’s susceptibility, officials highlighted the collaboration with national and international partners to enhance forecasting capabilities and monitor weather patterns.

Discussions covered the predicted above-normal temperatures in Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab, alongside heightened risks of glacier lake outburst floods in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Technological advancements such as real-time monitoring platforms and mobile applications for early warnings were also presented to the Committee.

Senator Anusha Rahman stressed the importance of coordination between NDMA and provincial governments. In response, NDMA’s Chairman outlined existing coordination mechanisms, preparedness plans, and emergency stockpiles intended to facilitate timely responses during crises.

The Committee examined vulnerable regions like Kumrat and Swat, advocating for preventive measures to mitigate flood risks. Rescue 1122 Balochistan representatives commended NDMA’s support while advocating for enhanced coordination and resource sharing.

The session also addressed “The National Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” focusing on improving transparency and accountability in relief supply distribution. Due to government reservations, the Committee deferred the Bill’s consideration, pending further consultation with provincial authorities.

A briefing by Tollhawk, a US company, introduced a sensor device for early flood warnings. NDMA highlighted existing glacier monitoring systems but noted the inadequacy of the current infrastructure to cover all glaciers, prompting a recommendation for a joint technical meeting by the Ministry of Climate Change.

In closing, Chairman Senator Rana Mehmood Ul Hassan emphasized bridging coordination gaps between federal and provincial entities to enhance disaster response effectiveness nationwide.