Senate told Pakistan has only 350 devices to monitor 13,500 glaciers

Islamabad: A Senate panel was informed that Pakistan currently has only 350 monitoring devices installed over glaciers, while the country has around 13,500 glaciers, raising serious concerns about the country’s ability to properly monitor glacier risks, floods and climate related disasters.

The committee reviewed the National Disaster Management Authority’s climate preparedness, disaster management measures, early warning systems and response planning at a time when Pakistan faces growing threats from heatwaves, glacier melting, droughts, flash floods and other climate related disasters.

Officials from NDMA and the National Emergencies Operation Center briefed the committee on climate risks, disaster preparedness and early warning systems. The committee was informed that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Officials said NDMA, in collaboration with national and international partners, is continuously monitoring weather and climate patterns. They said the authority has developed forecasting capabilities to identify disaster risks in advance.

The committee was briefed that above normal temperatures are expected in parts of Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab. Members were also informed about increased risks of glacier lake outburst floods and flash floods in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

NDMA officials also briefed the committee on technological initiatives, including real-time monitoring platforms and mobile applications that provide early warnings, emergency alerts and disaster response services.

The authority informed the committee that steps are being taken to promote climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen emergency response capacity and improve disaster preparedness at federal, provincial and district levels.

Senator Anusha Rahman stressed the need for stronger coordination between NDMA and provincial governments. She said disaster response cannot be effective unless federal and provincial institutions work together promptly.

The Chairman NDMA informed the committee that regular coordination mechanisms, preparedness plans and emergency stockpiles have been established to ensure timely response during emergencies.

The committee also discussed vulnerable areas, including Kumrat and Swat. Members stressed the need for preventive measures to reduce the risk of floods and glacier lake outburst events in these areas.

Representatives of Rescue 1122 Balochistan appreciated NDMA’s support but also called for better coordination, resource sharing and involvement of academic institutions in disaster management efforts.

The committee later considered The National Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2025. During the discussion, members raised concerns about timely distribution of relief supplies during disasters.

Members said relief must reach affected people without delay and without confusion. They emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability and coordination among disaster management institutions.

The committee recommended consulting provincial governments on the proposed legislation. However, due to the government’s reservations on the bill, the committee deferred further consideration until the government submits its formal response.

A United States based company, Tollhawk, also briefed the committee about its sensor device for early flood intimation. The company said such technology can help avoid mass destruction by warning authorities before floods hit vulnerable areas.

In response, the Chairman NDMA briefed the committee on glacier monitoring systems installed under a project supported by the United Nations Development Programme. He said 350 devices are currently installed over glaciers.

However, he informed members that these devices are not enough to monitor the situation across Pakistan’s 13,500 glaciers. Members were told that additional monitoring infrastructure is required to effectively cover the country’s glacier areas.

The matter was referred to the Ministry of Climate Change with a recommendation to convene a joint technical meeting of all relevant stakeholders. The purpose of the proposed meeting would be to review technology needs and improve glacier and flood monitoring systems.

The committee observed that Pakistan cannot afford weak disaster preparedness when climate threats are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. Members said early warning, strong coordination and timely relief can save lives and reduce damage to homes, roads, crops and public infrastructure.

Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senator Rana Mehmood Ul Hassan stressed the need to bridge coordination gaps between federal and provincial authorities. He said a stronger and faster disaster response system is needed to protect people across the country.

The committee made it clear that climate change is no longer a future threat for Pakistan. It said heatwaves, floods, glacier melting and droughts are already affecting people, and disaster management institutions must be better prepared before emergencies turn into national tragedies.