On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued an order to start preparing for possible monsoon and cloudburst conditions in the upcoming years.
At a briefing held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed his satisfaction with the NDMA’s utilization of cutting-edge technology and skilled staff. He expressed relief that rainfall intensity in southern Punjab and neighboring regions remained modest, citing previous cloudburst episodes in Chakwal, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and other towns.
The NDMA should collaborate closely with provincial governments to develop a unified disaster response strategy, he said, while the federal government would offer all assistance available.
He praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other provincial leaders for their proactive measures, which he claimed had helped cut losses, and congratulated the NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) for their efficient cooperation.
The prime minister prayed for the injured and lamented the deaths caused by the recent rains. In order to develop a thorough, long-term plan, he emphasized the need for the Ministry of Climate Change and the Ministry of Planning to collaborate closely with the NDMA and provincial authorities. He also emphasized the importance of procuring the required equipment and improving human resource capability.
Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the chairman of the NDMA, told the prime minister earlier in the briefing that the monsoon rainfall this year was 60–70% heavier than it was in 2024.
Although there are normally nine monsoon episodes per year, he claimed that two or three more are anticipated this year.
All rivers are currently flowing at normal levels, so the NDMA Chairman dismissed the possibility of widespread flooding. According to him, 178 people have died and over 500 have been injured in rain-related incidents so far this season.
