Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders comprehensive strategy to address climate change and monsoon challenges, involving all provinces, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistan is taking decisive steps to combat the growing threat of climate change and monsoon-related disasters. On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to develop a comprehensive policy to address these challenges, emphasizing collaboration with all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Also Read: Lahore’s Park View City Flooded, Residents Evacuated
A Unified Approach to Climate Challenges
The federal government is working on a policy framework to mitigate the impacts of climate change, particularly the devastating effects of monsoon rains, which have caused significant damage in recent years. A working paper outlining the policy will be shared with provincial governments to ensure a coordinated and inclusive approach. This initiative aims to create a joint action plan to address floods, water management, and other climate-related issues effectively.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity, stating that climate change is a national issue requiring collective effort. “We must work together—provinces, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the federal government—to protect our people from the harmful effects of climate change,” he said.
High-Level Meeting to Shape Strategy
To ensure the policy is actionable, Prime Minister Sharif announced plans for a high-level meeting. This meeting will include chief ministers from all four provinces, as well as representatives from AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Heads of relevant institutions will also participate to align efforts and finalize the strategy.
The meeting will focus on creating a unified roadmap to tackle climate challenges. Discussions will cover emergency preparedness, disaster management, and long-term solutions to reduce the impact of natural calamities.
Focus on Water Management and Reservoirs
A key component of the policy is improving water management and constructing water reservoirs across the country. The Prime Minister emphasized that these projects will be developed through consultation and full coordination with all provinces, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
“Water reservoirs are critical for managing floods and ensuring sustainable water supply,” Sharif noted. The strategy aims to address Pakistan’s recurring water scarcity and flood management issues, which have worsened due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Also Read: Sindh Flood Alert Delays NFC Meeting
Climate Change: A National Priority
Prime Minister Sharif underscored that climate change is an undeniable reality, and proactive measures are essential to minimize its damages. “Effective preparation is the only way to protect communities from natural disasters,” he said. The policy will prioritize disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and infrastructure resilience to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The initiative comes in the wake of severe monsoon flooding in recent years, which has displaced thousands and caused significant economic losses. By fostering collaboration across regions, the government aims to build a resilient framework to address these challenges.
What’s Next?
The high-level meeting is expected to take place soon after the current emergency situation stabilizes. The outcomes of this meeting will shape the final policy, which will guide Pakistan’s efforts to combat climate change and manage monsoon impacts effectively.
The Ministry of Climate Change has reiterated its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the policy is inclusive and practical. As Pakistan faces increasing climate challenges, this unified approach could set a precedent for regional cooperation in addressing global environmental issues.
