PM Shehbaz calls for stronger global climate cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger international cooperation to deal with the growing threat of climate change and natural disasters. He said countries must work together to improve disaster preparedness, strengthen emergency response systems, and build greater resilience against climate-related emergencies.

The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting in Islamabad with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, and other senior government officials.

During the meeting, Shehbaz said climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters around the world. He stressed that no country can face these challenges alone and called for closer cooperation at the national, regional, and international levels.

The prime minister praised the humanitarian work of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), saying the organization has played an important role in responding to global humanitarian crises. He also thanked OCHA for its continued support to Pakistan, particularly during the devastating floods of 2022, when millions of people were affected across the country.

Shehbaz said Pakistan has made significant progress in strengthening the capacity of its disaster management institutions over the past few years. He noted that both federal and provincial authorities have improved their ability to respond to climate-related emergencies. However, he emphasized that the worsening effects of climate change require constant improvements in planning, preparedness, and coordination.

Tom Fletcher appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the United Nations and acknowledged the country’s cooperation in humanitarian efforts. He also praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, saying sustainable peace is essential for addressing humanitarian crises and supporting economic recovery.

During the meeting, Fletcher briefed the prime minister on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges humanitarian organizations continue to face in delivering food, medicine, and other essential supplies to civilians affected by the conflict. He also thanked Pakistan for supporting humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations and other international partners to strengthen humanitarian cooperation, improve disaster preparedness, and support vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

In a separate meeting, the prime minister reviewed the country’s preparations for the ongoing monsoon season with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.

During the briefing, he was informed about emergency response plans, disaster preparedness measures, and the progress made in fully activating the national early warning system. Officials also briefed him on coordination between the NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change.