AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Pakistan has stepped up efforts to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination outlined key policy measures, response initiatives, and international engagements undertaken during 2025.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry’s media spokesperson, Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, stated that climate resilience and disaster preparedness remained a top priority throughout the year amid recurring floods, severe heatwaves, and increasing water stress across the country. He emphasized that, on the directives of the Prime Minister, a three-hundred-day national climate preparedness and resilience plan was launched to improve coordination between federal and provincial governments ahead of future monsoon seasons. The plan focuses on strengthening early warning systems, flood mitigation measures, and restoration of climate-damaged infrastructure.
The spokesperson highlighted that prolonged and intense heatwaves affected Sindh, Balochistan, and parts of southern Punjab during the year, prompting the ministry to recommend integrated heat adaptation measures. These measures included public health advisories, emergency water supply arrangements, and the establishment of cooling centers in high-risk areas.
On the policy front, he mentioned that Pakistan approved its third carbon credit initiative under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The Safe Drinking Water Programme in Punjab, developed in collaboration with the Punjab Saaf Pani Authority and a South Korean firm, is expected to attract foreign investment while supporting emission reduction efforts. Environmental advocacy remained a key focus, with a renewed commitment towards renewable energy, clean energy policies, green jobs, and electric mobility, though challenges remain in effective implementation.
The ministry also prepared an initial framework for a glacier protection and climate adaptation policy during the year. Pakistan hosts more than thirteen thousand glaciers, many of which are rapidly retreating, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods in northern areas. Highlighting international engagement, the spokesperson noted that Pakistan actively participated in global climate forums, including the UN climate summit in Bel©m, Brazil, where it reiterated calls for equitable climate finance, technology transfer, and fulfillment of commitments by developed countries.
Water security remained a major concern in 2025, with officials warning that erratic rainfall, glacial melt, and groundwater depletion pose long-term risks to agriculture and urban centers. The ministry also worked on climate-appropriate plantation initiatives, development of a national electronic waste management framework, and enhancement of public awareness and climate risk communication in coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities.