PM Urges Action on Climate Change During Flood-Hit Gilgit Baltistan Visit

During his official visit to Gilgit Baltistan to review moonsoon flood damage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to tackle climate change, highlighting it as a recurring threat to the country.

Speaking to the media, the Prime Minister expressed regret over the casualties and destruction caused by the rains. He stated that federal agencies were coordinating closely with the GB government to manage the situation.

He underscored the growing impact of climate change, referencing the devastating 2022 floods as a reminder of the need for proactive measures.

To address these challenges, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Climate Change to take necessary steps and instructed authorities to strengthen disaster response efforts and improve infrastructure resilience in the affected areas.

During a high level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the human losses due to the floods druing his visit to Gilgit Baltistan. He noted that the recent rains had caused significant damage in Gilgit-Baltistan and offered prayers for those who had passed away, asking for their elevation in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

He stated that cloudbursts in several areas—including Diamer, Babusar, and Ghanche—had caused widespread devastation. He emphasized that Pakistan ranks among the countries most affected by climate change.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the 2022 floods were also a result of similar climate-related issues, and affirmed that the federal government remains in close coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration.

He added that the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) was performing effectively, and announced that the foundation stones for Danish schools would be laid in Gilgit.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan to assess the devastation caused by recent monsoon floods across the region.

According to government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, the prime minister was received at the airport by Chief Minister Gulbar Khan and Governor Syed Mehdi Shah. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik and other senior officials.

It is worth mentioning that the monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, causing significant loss of life and damage to property.

Districts such as Diamer, Gilgit, and Ghizer were among the worst affected, with flash floods and landslides reported across the area. On July 21, a powerful flood on Babusar Road swept away multiple tourists. More than 10 individuals remain missing as rescue operations continue.

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