PM directs climate minister to step up monsoon preparedness

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik to strengthen preparations for the upcoming monsoon season.

During a meeting with Malik, the prime minister also asked the relevant authorities to improve the early warning system so that areas vulnerable to natural disasters can be monitored continuously.

The climate change minister briefed the prime minister on the performance of early warning systems installed in the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan for monitoring Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and flash floods.

Focus on vulnerable mountain regions

The discussion included preparedness for the current year’s monsoon season and the functioning of systems designed to provide advance alerts in high-risk regions. The update shared with the prime minister covered the warning mechanisms operating in mountainous areas where GLOF and flash floods pose recurring risks.

A post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X said: اسلام آباد: 13 مئی 2026. وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے وفاقی وزیرِ موسمیاتی تبدیلی ڈاکٹر مصدق مسعود ملک کی ملاقات ہوئی. ملاقات میں وزیرِ اعظم کو رواں برس مون سون کے حوالے سے تیاری پر بریفنگ دی گئی. وزیرِ اعظم کو پہاڑی علاقوں میں گلاف اور فلیش فلڈز کے پیشگی اطلاع کے نظام کی…

Weather outlook and research findings

In late April, the Pakistan Meteorological Department had warned that the subcontinent may experience a subdued monsoon this year, as the warming El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to develop later this year.

Research published by the Pakistan Journal of Meteorology has found that the frequency of GLOF has increased over the years. The same research also called for constant monitoring of the vulnerable Gilgit-Baltistan region to reduce humanitarian and other losses.

The prime minister’s directions came against the backdrop of these warnings and research findings, with the government focusing on preparedness and monitoring in disaster-prone areas ahead of the monsoon season.

In late April, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had warned that the subcontinent may witness a ‘subdued monsoon’ this year as the warming El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to develop later this year.

The meeting centred on readiness measures and the performance of existing alert systems, particularly in northern mountainous regions considered vulnerable to climate-related hazards.