Members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change visited the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday, where they were briefed on Pakistan’s growing climate-related risks, early warning systems, glacial melt, and upcoming monsoon forecasts.
NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik warned that Pakistan is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is projected to be among the 15 most water-stressed countries by 2025. He further cautioned that above-normal rainfall is expected during this year’s monsoon season, particularly in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan.
Highlighting the threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), the NDMA chief said the authority is closely tracking glacial activity through the Global Glacier Monitoring Portal.
He also noted that NDMA is fully equipped with a modern control room, drone surveillance capabilities, and a robust emergency response framework.
Committee member Shagufta Jumani raised concerns about public safety and inquired about early action plans and preventive measures in place to mitigate the expected risks.
In response, Lt. Gen. Malik clarified that, under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, disaster management primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction. NDMA, he said, provides timely forecasts and guidance to provincial authorities to support their emergency response planning.
However, he emphasized that implementation is often hindered by issues such as urban encroachments and delays at the local government level.
NDMA officials added that the authority issues early warnings up to six months in advance and routinely conducts emergency preparedness drills in collaboration with various government and non-government institutions.
Key weather data and risk assessments have already been shared with all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to strengthen preparedness ahead of the monsoon.
