Minister calls for integrated, people-centric disaster management system
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Tuesday stressed the need for a comprehensive, integrated and people-centric approach to disaster management, highlighting the importance of timely response, effective early warning systems and strong coordination among all stakeholders.
Addressing a ceremony here, the minister said that Pakistan, being among the most climate-vulnerable countries, was facing increasing risks from torrential floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and extreme weather events, particularly in northern regions.
He underlined that while various initiatives had been undertaken to enhance disaster preparedness, there was a need to further strengthen the effectiveness of early warning systems to ensure timely evacuation of communities at risk.
Dr Malik said that response time in case of sudden disasters such as GLOFs was often limited to 20 to 25 minutes, which required a well-connected and fully functional system linking monitoring infrastructure with district administration and local communities.
He emphasised that modern technology, including satellite systems, drones and real-time data integration, could play a vital role in improving disaster response mechanisms. “With the advancement in technology, it is now possible to develop integrated solutions that can help save lives and minimise losses,” he added.
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that disaster preparedness measures translate into practical benefits for affected populations, particularly vulnerable communities living in high-risk areas.
He also stressed the need for improved zoning regulations and their effective enforcement to prevent construction in flood-prone zones, which could exacerbate damage during natural disasters.
Referring to social challenges, Dr. Malik said that communities must be protected through inclusive policies so that individuals are not forced to remain in hazardous areas due to economic or social pressures.
He called for enhanced coordination between federal and provincial governments, as well as local administrations, to ensure a unified and effective response to climate-induced disasters.
The minister also appreciated the support of international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations agencies, for assisting Pakistan in strengthening its climate resilience and disaster management capacity. Highlighting future initiatives, Dr Malik said the government was working to promote innovation and research in climate-related fields, including support for young entrepreneurs and startups to develop practical solutions for climate challenges.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to utilising modern technologies and strengthening institutional frameworks to build a resilient system capable of protecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.
Dr Malik said that collective efforts at all levels would be essential to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and to ensure sustainable development in the country. APP
