An important meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik was held in Lahore on Thursday during which issues related to the climate in the province were discussed.
Senior Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary, Chairman NDMA, SMBR and PDMA participated the meeting.
Punjab Senior Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb presented the “Punjab Climate and Disaster Resilience Plan 2026” and gave a detailed briefing in the meeting.
The meeting agreed on early warning system for forecasting severe weather events between the Federation and Punjab.
The meeting also agreed on mutual coordination at least 6 hours before any extreme weather event.
The meeting considered to establish centralized information screens in all districts of Punjab in collaboration with the federal government.
The meeting reviewed proposal to install centralized information screens related to climate and floods at district and tehsil level.
Maryam Nawaz ordered immediate mock exercises to prepare for monsoon and floods.
Maryam Nawaz directed PDMA to maintain better coordination with NDMA.
Maryam Nawaz ordered to issue average rainfall forecast and comprehensive advisory for heatwave zones.
Maryam Nawaz directed to ensure controlled tourism during intense heat and rain waves.
Maryam Nawaz directed to increase logistics of districts to deal with floods and other severe weather conditions.
Maryam Nawaz said the flood was of a very large level but Alhamdulillah not a single disease broke out in the province.
All facilities were provided to the flood-affected people including medicines, food, drink, accommodation and bathing, said Maryam Nawaz.
She said there was no outbreak of any epidemic in animals or humans during the flood.
Clinics on wheels and field hospitals were deployed on the spot for the convenience of the public, Maryam Nawaz said.
PDMA and Rescue 1122 have been developed on the most technologically advanced lines, Maryam Nawaz said.
She said Punjab government is increasing water storage capacity at a cost of billions of rupees.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said WASA and waste management system was earlier limited to Lahore but now it is everywhere.
Earlier, WASA was only in two places in the province but now WASA is established in every district of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz said.
Earlier, machinery was sent from Lahore or big cities for urban flooding and now machinery worth billions has been given to every district, Maryam Nawaz added.
She said now every district of Punjab has its own operational fleet of WASA.
The number of severe and unpredictable weather trends in the country is increasing dangerously, Maryam Nawaz said.
Federal Minister Musadik Malik said under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has done a great and exemplary job.
He said even the toughest opponents and competitors are appreciating the excellent performance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
My personal desire is to work on environment and climate with the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Musadik Malik said.
He said great work is being done in Punjab regarding environment, climate change and disaster management.
Last year, due to Indian water aggression, time was short, yet Punjab showed excellent performance, said Musadik Malik.
He said during the flood, all provincial institutions including Rescue 1122 and PDMA worked extremely hard.
Last year’s flood was saved from major losses by the grace of Allah and only physical infrastructure was damaged, Musadik Malik said.
The Prime Minister has ordered that all provincial governments, including Punjab, should work on a climate change plan, federal minister said.
Musadik Malik said work is underway rapidly on the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s vision ‘Fix, Expand and Build’ policy in the country.
Wherever Punjab is needed, the federal government will support it at every step.
The federal government is always ready to support every province, including Punjab, at every level, federal minister said.
