Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced that the government is actively pursuing a robust strategy to address the threats posed by climate change. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, he highlighted the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ program, designed to support governmental initiatives focused on climate adaptation and green financing.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister emphasized the importance of disaster risk financing, describing it as a transformative tool that serves as a national insurance policy against natural calamities. He explained that this financial strategy plays a crucial role under the Uraan Pakistan initiative by protecting exports and productive sectors from disruptions and by empowering E-Pakistan through data and digital risk modeling.

Ahsan Iqbal further stated that disaster risk financing is essential for advancing the country’s climate resilience agenda and safeguarding its energy, infrastructure, and investment sectors. He underscored the necessity of resilience and financial preparedness to effectively counter the growing threat of climate change.

The Minister urged a shift from reactive measures to proactive readiness and from vulnerability to resilience in tackling climate change. He reminded the audience of the economic setbacks Pakistan has faced due to disasters over the past two decades, including the severe floods of 2010, 2011, 2020, and 2022. He also pointed out the current challenges posed by erratic monsoon patterns and Glacial Lake Outburst floods.