Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the federal government is working on a national strategy for the construction of water reservoirs and better water management in the country as floods continue to cause destruction.
In a statement issued by the PM Office, he noted that the plan would be prepared in consultation with all provinces. “Climate change is a reality, and strong planning is the only way to reduce the damages from natural disasters,” the premier said.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that the centre, provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan must join hands to protect citizens from the growing impact of climate change. He termed it a national matter that needs a united response.
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Officials have already started drafting a policy for a quick response to challenges arising from climate change and the monsoon season. This working paper will be shared with provincial governments to finalize a joint way forward.
The statement added that once the emergency situation eases, the prime minister will call a high-level meeting with the chief ministers of all four provinces. The heads of relevant institutions, along with the prime minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, will also attend.
