https://arab.news/mrruu
- The PM decided to set up the body while chairing an emergency meeting on heat wave
- Sharif also directed officials to launch a public awareness campaign for water conservation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant authorities to set up a task force on climate change that would prepare a comprehensive strategy to mitigate its impact, said an official statement circulated in Islamabad.
Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world. It is also at risk of water scarcity which can negatively impact its agricultural sector despite being home to some of the largest reserves of glaciers.
Last week, a strategic bridge in the country’s northern region of Hunza was destroyed after Shishper Glacier started melting more rapidly, causing a massive flood in the area.
The prime minister chaired an emergency meeting in which he decided to establish the task force with relevant federal ministers, provincial chief secretaries and other officials.
“The task force will develop a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change in the country, prevent future events such as the Shiper Glacier Incident, take measures to prevent food and water shortages, conserve water and protect existing reservoirs and conserve forests,” said the statement.
Sharif instructed the body to hold its first meeting on Monday evening to prepare a report on the subject.
He was also briefed in detail about the ongoing heatwave in the country.
The prime minister directed to launch a public awareness campaign for water conservation, instructing officials to take immediate measures to store rainwater before the next monsoon.
He discussed water shortage in Cholistan, a large desert region where residents frequently suffer due to lack of food and water security.
He said that immediate supply of water for human settlements and animals must be ensured in the area.
The prime minister also instructed the chairman of National Disaster Management Authority to visit Hunza and ensure the construction of the fallen bridge immediately.
He also directed the education ministry to take measures to protect school going children from the adverse impact of heat wave in the country.