Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to strengthen coordination with provincial governments and disaster management authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies during the ongoing monsoon season. The directive came during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, where the country’s preparedness for potential weather-related disasters was reviewed.

During the briefing, the prime minister was informed about measures being taken to improve Pakistan’s disaster response capabilities, including progress in fully operationalising the national early warning system. Officials also highlighted enhanced collaboration between the NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change to better monitor weather patterns and respond to climate-related risks.

The prime minister stressed the importance of close cooperation between the federal government, provincial administrations, and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), particularly as heavy monsoon rains continue to pose threats of flooding, landslides, and other natural disasters across vulnerable regions. He instructed all relevant institutions to remain on high alert and ensure timely coordination to safeguard lives and property.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s seasonal outlook, several northern regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are expected to receive near-normal rainfall. However, above-average temperatures could accelerate glacier and snow melt, increasing river flows and the risk of flash floods during the monsoon season.