Islamabad, 19 May, 2025: Biggest climate observatory is set to be built in Punjab, following formal approval by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to establish what is expected to be South Asia’s most modern climate monitoring facility.
The ambitious initiative also includes the creation of a cutting-edge scientific research hub aimed at addressing the province’s mounting environmental challenges.
Scientific Vision Takes Shape
At a high-level meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, provincial authorities reviewed a detailed proposal outlining land allocation, technical equipment, and funding requirements.
The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore submitted the initial technical assessment, supporting the establishment of the biggest climate observatory at the Punjab Planning and Development Complex.
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The observatory will be equipped with state-of-the-art tools including a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory, an automated data integration platform, and advanced meteorological imaging systems.
Officials were told that these features will significantly improve environmental forecasting and risk analysis across multiple sectors.
Investing in Knowledge and Human Capital
As part of the broader strategy, an internship scheme will be launched to train environmental specialists in various fields.
The observatory will also feature a centralized data hub, an international liaison cell, and a smart coordination unit to enhance research collaboration and policy development.
Modern communication infrastructure will link the observatory to global scientific networks, enabling real-time data sharing and knowledge exchange.
It was confirmed during the session that land for the construction has already been secured, and the facility will be built at the Emerging Information and Communication Technologies (EICT) site.
Strategic Climate Response
Minister Aurangzeb stressed that the biggest climate observatory is a landmark move for environmental protection, calling it a vital component of Punjab’s climate resilience strategy.
She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directives include the creation of an innovative organizational structure to ensure efficiency and transparency in operations.
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Officials believe the centre will improve Punjab’s capacity for early warning, environmental planning, and global climate engagement.
With work underway, the biggest climate observatory is expected to transform the way the region responds to climate-related risks.
