Climate Change Increases Drought Risk in Pakistan

Pakistan is facing an escalating drought crisis as climate change continues to increase both the frequency and severity of dry conditions across the country. In response, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has introduced the country’s first National Drought Action Plan (NDAP), aiming to shift from reactive relief measures to proactive risk management.

Federal Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani announced the initiative during a national consultative workshop, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term planning. She warned that drought is no longer an occasional concern but an ongoing national threat fueled by rising temperatures, water scarcity, and climate variability.

“Drought is no longer a distant or occasional risk,” she stated, highlighting its growing impact on agriculture, water resources, food security, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Pakistan is already ranked among countries facing high water stress, making it particularly vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

Officials acknowledged that past responses have largely focused on post-crisis relief rather than preparedness. The NDAP aims to address this gap by establishing a comprehensive framework that prioritizes planning, governance, early warning systems, resource mobilization, and capacity building.

The plan has been developed with support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and incorporates contributions from technical partners such as the International Water Management Institute and the Pakistan Meteorological Department. These institutions have helped create the Pakistan Drought Management System, which provides real-time monitoring and early warning capabilities.

Ms Moriani stressed that data alone is insufficient without effective implementation mechanisms. “This is a significant step forward. However, data alone is not enough. We need systems that ensure timely, data-informed and evidence-based decisions along with on-ground implementation,” she said.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, development partners, and organizations including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Participants worked toward finalizing an operational framework, identifying priority sectors, and outlining short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.

The proposed outcomes include the formation of a National Drought Management Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee, along with a detailed implementation roadmap and coordination mechanisms.

Officials emphasized that tackling drought requires collaboration across all sectors. “Drought is a cross-sectoral challenge and requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” Ms Moriani noted.

Meanwhile, ministry spokesperson Mohammad Saleem Shaikh highlighted that Pakistan continues to face recurring drought risks due to climate variability, reliance on monsoon rainfall, and increasing pressure on water resources.

He expressed optimism that the NDAP will provide a unified and proactive framework to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination, and reduce vulnerability. “Effective and well-coordinated implementation of the NDAP will help bridge existing gaps by strengthening preparedness, mitigation and response, while improving institutional coordination to reduce vulnerability and safeguard livelihoods,” he said.