Gilgit: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized concerted and vigorous efforts to effectively deal with the challenge of climate change. Chairing a meeting in Gilgit on Monday regarding the damage caused by recent rains and floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, he directed the Ministry of Climate Change to adopt a more proactive approach.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of generating funds to develop climate-resilient infrastructure. He noted that although Pakistan contributes minimally to global emissions, it remains among the ten countries most severely affected by climate change. He highlighted the critical role of the Ministry of Climate Change in dealing with this challenge and commended the National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) efforts for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas.
The Prime Minister directed the creation of a weather-related early warning system for tourist destinations and suggested resettling local populations away from natural watercourses. He announced that the NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change will jointly establish an early warning and monitoring center in Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister called for a survey of the damage to highways and other infrastructure and stressed the importance of restoring communication links on a priority basis. During the meeting, officials briefed him about the recent rains, resulting flood situation, and damages, as well as ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, progress on the installation of the Glacial Lake Outburst Early Warning System was discussed, with a directive to complete its installation within the next two months.
The Prime Minister also tasked the Minister for Water Resources with visiting Gilgit-Baltistan to complete consultation and planning for an improved water system. On other development projects in the region, he announced the establishment of Daanish Schools and personally oversaw the solar power project approved by the Central Development Working Party for Gilgit-Baltistan. He assured that project approval would be sought from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), emphasizing his commitment to completing the project at the earliest.