Aurangzeb terms climate change, population growth ‘existential challenges’

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, outgoing Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), alongside Lieutenant General Hasan Khattak, incoming Chairman of NDMA, to discuss disaster preparedness, climate resilience and strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to manage climate-related risks.

The Finance Minister highlighted climate change and population growth as Pakistan’s two existential challenges, with far-reaching implications for economic stability, food security, communities and public finances. He noted that during the recent IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, climate change and its implications for Pakistan featured in discussions with international partners, underscoring the importance of strengthening national preparedness and effective risk management.

Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik briefed the Finance Minister on Pakistan’s long-range climate forecasting system, which can provide outlooks up to 12 months ahead, and ongoing efforts to further enhance its capabilities. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of translating forecasting into timely decisions and effective early-warning measures.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of integrating long-range forecasts with shorter-term monitoring by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and other relevant agencies to ensure timely communication and action for vulnerable communities.

The NDMA leadership also outlined initiatives relating to the Global Resilience Hub and the Next Generation Technologies initiative, aimed at helping shift Pakistan from a reactive disaster-response model towards proactive, technology-driven risk reduction. These initiatives could facilitate knowledge-sharing, demonstrate Pakistan’s forecasting capabilities and support greater engagement with international partners.

The meeting highlighted the importance of building sustainable national expertise in climate science and forecasting, supported by clear institutional ownership, structured training and specialised technical personnel. The Finance Minister underscored the need to ensure continuity of expertise and strengthen institutional capacity to support long-term climate adaptation, mitigation and disaster-risk management.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of mobilising resources for disaster preparedness and climate resilience through effective use of domestic resources and engagement with international development partners. The discussion emphasised prioritising investments and developing practical, implementable projects to strengthen resilience, improve preparedness and deliver measurable outcomes.

The Finance Minister appreciated Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik’s contributions during his tenure as NDMA Chairman and acknowledged the importance of institutional continuity in strengthening Pakistan’s disaster-management framework. He also conveyed his best wishes to Lieutenant General Hasan Khattak as he assumes responsibility for leading the Authority.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to anticipate climate-related risks and advance preparedness, adaptation and mitigation through effective coordination, technology and sustainable financing, protecting lives, livelihoods and the economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026