Pakistan Calls for Long-Term Climate Strategy as Flood Risks Grow

Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik has called for a comprehensive long-term strategy to confront Pakistan's growing exposure to floods and other climate-related threats, warning that climate change has become a major national challenge requiring sustained planning rather than short-term responses. He made the remarks at a ceremony on Saturday, August 29, as concerns over extreme weather and disaster preparedness remain prominent across the country.

Malik said Pakistan is among the countries particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and is already experiencing serious consequences. He stressed that responding effectively requires cooperation among government institutions and other relevant stakeholders, with preparedness and resilience placed at the centre of national climate policy.

The minister highlighted the importance of coordinated action because climate-related risks affect communities, infrastructure and development across multiple sectors. He said institutions need to work together to improve Pakistan's ability to anticipate and respond to natural disasters, particularly as flooding and other extreme weather events pose recurring challenges.

Malik also underlined the need for international cooperation and sufficient resources to help Pakistan strengthen its climate response. He urged countries with greater capacity to address climate change to support vulnerable states facing impacts that are disproportionate to their contribution to the global problem.

According to the minister, Pakistan continues to present its case for climate justice at international forums and is seeking greater assistance for countries exposed to severe environmental consequences. His remarks reflect Islamabad's broader position that developing countries require both financial and institutional support to improve adaptation and reduce the damage caused by increasingly frequent climate-related disasters.

The minister called for policies that combine environmental protection with climate adaptation. He said coordinated planning is necessary to lessen disaster impacts and improve the ability of communities to withstand environmental shocks. Building local capacity, he added, is a critical part of protecting people who are most directly exposed when floods and other natural hazards occur.

Advance preparation was another central element of Malik's message. He said effective planning before disasters occur can reduce risks and protect communities, reinforcing the need to move beyond emergency response toward preventive measures. That approach would require stronger institutional coordination, improved local preparedness and policies designed around long-term resilience.

For Pakistan, the next phase will involve translating these priorities into sustained climate planning, stronger disaster-preparedness systems and continued efforts to secure international cooperation and resources. The government is also expected to keep climate justice and adaptation financing on its international agenda while encouraging domestic institutions to strengthen their capacity to manage future climate-related emergencies.