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.
Amid record-breaking heatwave, Pakistan sets up task force on climate change
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Amid record-breaking heatwave, Pakistan sets up task force on climate change
- 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
Pakistan, Oman navies discuss maritime security, ink agreement to share shipping data
- Visiting Oman royal navy commander calls on Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Islamabad
- White shipping agreement refers to exchange of prior information on movement of commercial ships
ISLAMABAD: The naval commanders of Pakistan and Oman discussed regional maritime security on Wednesday and signed an agreement to share shipping information with each other, the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
The press release followed a meeting between Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the visiting Oman Royal Navy Commander Rear Admiral Saif Bin Nasser Bin Mohsin Al Rahbi at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
Both navies maintain close professional relations, reflected in expert-level staff talks, joint training, bilateral exercises, and participation in multilateral exercises between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security and bilateral naval cooperation were discussed,” the Pakistan Navy said.
The MoU was signed by both sides at a ceremony at the Naval Headquarters, the navy’s media wing confirmed.
“The MoU is aimed at establishing of guidelines and procedures for information sharing in order to enhance mutual awareness of white shipping,” the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
White shipping agreement refers to the exchange of prior information on the movement and identity of commercial non-military merchant vessels.
Information regarding the identity of vessels helps countries tackle potential threats from sea routes. This particularly helps in the development of a proper regional maritime domain awareness
The statement said Al Rahbi lauded Pakistan Navy’s professionalism and acknowledged its ongoing contributions to maritime security and regional stability.
Pakistan and Oman share geographical proximity and common maritime boundaries. Bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries span a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation, people-to-people contacts and strong defense ties.
In December, a Royal Navy flotilla from Oman visited Karachi to take part in the annual bilateral Thamar Al Tayyib (TAT) 2025 exercise.
Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman have been conducting the TAT series of exercises regularly since 1980.
