Members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters on Thursday, where they received a detailed briefing on the country’s climate-related risks, early warning systems, glacial melt, and the forecast for upcoming monsoon rains.

Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, informed the committee that Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to climate change and is likely to be among the 15 most water-stressed countries in the world by 2025. He also warned that above-normal rainfall is expected during this year’s monsoon season, particularly in parts of Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan.

During the briefing, the NDMA chief highlighted the risk of potential flooding caused by glacial melting. He added that the authority is closely monitoring glaciers through the Global Glacier Monitoring Portal. He also emphasised that NDMA is equipped with a modern control room, drones, and emergency response capabilities.

Committee member Shagufta Jumani inquired about the preparedness measures in place to protect the public from anticipated heavy rains. She asked what early action plans and public guidelines have been developed to mitigate risk.

In response, the NDMA chairman clarified that disaster management is a provincial matter following the 18th Amendment. NDMA provides timely information to provincial authorities to enable appropriate protective measures. However, he pointed out that challenges such as urban encroachments and delays in local-level implementation hinder effective response.

NDMA officials stated that the authority issues early warnings as early as six months in advance and conducts emergency drills in collaboration with various institutions. Important data and forecasts have already been shared with provincial disaster management authorities to enhance preparedness.