PM calls for stronger global, provincial coordination to tackle climate disasters

• Premier Shehbaz says escalating climate threats demand greater preparedness and resilience

• Lauds UN-OCHA's humanitarian role, recalls support during 2022 floods

• Tom Fletcher praises Pakistan's regional peace efforts, briefs PM on Gaza crisis

• PM directs NDMA to enhance coordination with provinces during monsoon

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stressed that the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters demanded stronger preparedness, greater resilience and closer coordination among national, regional and international stakeholders to effectively respond to emergencies, while directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to further strengthen coordination with provincial governments during the ongoing monsoon season.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. Tom Fletcher called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 15 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/Lu2YRA92eh

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 15, 2026

The prime minister expressed these views during separate meetings with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant-General Inam Haider Malik at the Prime Minister House, said separate statements issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Islamabad: 15 July 2026.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Tom Fletcher, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator… pic.twitter.com/uN4BjnN2K7

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 15, 2026

During his meeting with Tom Fletcher, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the invaluable humanitarian work being carried out by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in responding to complex emergencies across the globe.

Recalling Pakistan's experience during the catastrophic floods of 2022, the prime minister acknowledged OCHA's continued support and thanked the organisation for its assistance in strengthening the country's disaster response capabilities.

He observed that Pakistan's national and provincial disaster management institutions had significantly enhanced their capacity over the years to respond to climate-induced disasters, but emphasised that the growing scale and frequency of such events required sustained international cooperation and collective preparedness.

Tom Fletcher thanked the prime minister for receiving him and appreciated the longstanding partnership and close cooperation between Pakistan and OCHA. He also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's efforts to promote regional peace and stability, noting that sustainable peace remained essential for addressing the humanitarian and economic consequences of conflicts.

During the meeting, the UN humanitarian chief briefed the prime minister on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the formidable challenges OCHA continues to face in delivering urgently needed assistance to the affected population. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support for OCHA's humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to humanitarian causes, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the country would continue working closely with the United Nations and OCHA to strengthen global humanitarian cooperation, enhance disaster preparedness and support relief efforts for vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

Preparedness To Deal With Any Emergency Situation

In a separate meeting later in the day, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant-General Inam Haider Malik called on the prime minister and briefed him on the country's preparedness to deal with any emergency situation arising during the ongoing monsoon rains.

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. General Inam Haider Malik calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 15 July, 2026. pic.twitter.com/SIyO45AcdF

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 15, 2026

The prime minister directed the NDMA chairman to further improve coordination with provincial governments and provincial disaster management authorities to ensure an effective and timely response to any weather-related emergency.

اسلام آباد : 15 جولائی، 2026.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے چیئرمین نیشنل ڈیزاسٹر مینجمنٹ اتھارٹی لیفٹینینٹ جنرل انعام حیدر ملک کی ملاقات ہوئی.

وزیراعظم نے مون سون بارشوں کے دوران صوبائی حکومتوں اور صوبائی ڈیزاسٹر مینجمنٹ اتھارٹیز کے ساتھ روابط مزید بہتر بنانے کی ہدایت کی.… pic.twitter.com/7PusS4fYM7

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 15, 2026

He was also briefed on the progress made towards fully activating the country's early warning system as well as the coordination mechanism being developed with the Ministry of Climate Change to enhance disaster preparedness and response.

The meeting reviewed the overall readiness of the NDMA and other relevant institutions to cope with potential monsoon-related emergencies, with the prime minister stressing the importance of proactive planning, efficient coordination and rapid response to safeguard lives and property during the rainy season.