Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a coordinated national strategy to prevent incidents like the recent tragedy in Swat, stressing the need to set aside politics and prepare an honest assessment of the situation. He said precious lives were lost in Swat, and such disasters demand a comprehensive policy response.

The prime minister was speaking during his visit to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Tuesday, where he was briefed on monsoon rains and potential flood threats across the country.

Addressing a ceremony at the NEOC, Shehbaz Sharif praised the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), calling it a “multi-purpose and vital national institution.” He said the authority had been restructured along modern lines following the devastating 2022 floods. “NDMA’s role in the early warning system is crucial,” he added.

The prime minister acknowledged the severe losses caused by the 2022 floods, which destroyed thousands of homes and acres of standing crops. He lauded the timely flow of information and NDMA’s efforts to acquire modern technology.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change despite contributing little to global greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of promoting public-private partnerships and said infrastructure development must account for changing climate patterns.

He added that NDMA has a critical responsibility in this regard and called for enhanced coordination between the federal agency and provincial governments. “We must prepare ourselves for future challenges,” the prime minister said.

Referring to the tragic incident in Swat, Shehbaz Sharif said that the NDMA must prepare a report on the disaster and devise a preventive strategy in collaboration with provincial authorities. “We must rise above politics and evaluate the situation with honesty,” he emphasized.

India cannot unilaterally suspend water treaties, PM warns

The prime minister warned that Pakistan’s enemy is attempting to use water as a weapon. He referred to the recent ruling by an international arbitration court, which dealt a blow to India’s ambitions and clarified that New Delhi cannot unilaterally suspend a treaty.

He concluded by announcing that the government has decided to increase the country’s water storage capacity to address long-term water security challenges.