Government Forms Expert Panel to Tackle Climate Disasters: Solutions for a Sustainable Future

KARACHI: Recently, the Prime Minister set up a 13-member committee aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s response to severe weather events like flash floods and urban flooding. This committee is led by Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. It includes important officials and experts from different sectors across the country.

The committee’s main job is to review the current disaster management system. This includes looking at existing flood protection and drainage infrastructure. They’ll also explore ways to finance crucial projects aimed at handling these issues. One of their goals is to recommend laws that can help combat deforestation and environmental damage. Additionally, they will suggest improvements to urban flooding prevention measures and assess early warning systems to enhance disaster preparedness.

They plan to submit a detailed report to the Prime Minister within ten days, with support from the Ministry of Climate Change.

Alongside this committee, a special forum has been created to engage various stakeholders, including provincial governments, civil society, and the media. This forum will meet every two weeks to develop strategies for climate adaptation and disaster management.

Members of this forum include federal ministers, secretaries from key ministries, and representatives from regions like Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Their focus will be on ensuring that federal and provincial authorities are ready to handle natural disasters. They will evaluate funding needs for water storage and flood control, as well as promote legislation to prevent deforestation.

Recent trends on social media reflect growing public concern about climate change and natural disasters, highlighting the urgency for these initiatives. According to a 2022 survey by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, about 70% of respondents believe that climate policies could significantly ease flooding troubles.

As weather patterns increasingly become erratic, these steps are not just necessary—they’re crucial. Historical data reveals that populations in vulnerable areas have faced severe disruption in past floods. Strengthening disaster management efforts will be key to protecting lives and livelihoods in the future.

For a deeper understanding of climate resilience, explore resources from organizations like the World Meteorological Organization.

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