ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik has called for shifting Pakistan’s disaster management approach from reactive response to preventive action, stressing that satellite technology, artificial intelligence and accurate early warning systems must be used to identify potential disasters before they cause loss of life and property.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the five-day Pakistan-UN International Conference on Space Technology for Climate Action and Early Warning Systems here on Saturday, the minister said disaster warnings must be precise and reach vulnerable communities in a timely manner.
“A warning without an address is a warning addressed to no one,” he remarked, emphasising the need for location-specific alerts rather than generalised regional forecasts.
Drawing an analogy with cardiology, Dr Musadik Malik said early diagnosis and timely intervention could prevent serious complications. Similarly, scientific monitoring, satellite imagery, radar, hyperspectral data and predictive modelling could help prevent disasters rather than relying primarily on rescue operations.
He called for annual satellite-based assessments of floodplains and encroachments, improved coordination among relevant institutions, accurate mapping of disaster-prone areas and greater involvement of young innovators in developing technological solutions.
The minister stressed that Pakistan must translate its growing space capabilities and scientific data into practical interventions to protect vulnerable populations, adding that rescue operations should be the last resort rather than the first response.
The five-day conference, hosted by SUPARCO, brought together around 250 Pakistani participants and delegates from 22 countries. It featured 17 sessions, including panel discussions and technical presentations, focusing on space-based climate intelligence, disaster risk assessment and strengthening early warning systems.
The conference concluded with renewed commitments to enhance international cooperation, strengthen institutional capacity and promote the use of satellite-based information for climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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