ISLAMABAD: The government has constituted a task force to deal with climate change which is responsible for environmental degradation in the country.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif which discussed matters pertaining to the recent heatwave and impact of climate change.
The task force will comprise of relevant federal ministers, secretaries, provincial chief secretaries and relevant provincial secretaries, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and high-ranking officers of other departments.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that the task force prepare a comprehensive strategy to reduce the impact of climate change, avert Shishper Glacier-like incidents in future and deal with water and food shortage. He said the strategy should also encompass steps for water conservation and protection of existing reservoirs and forests.
The meeting was informed that climate change is the biggest reason behind the recent heatwave in the country. Regardless of huge glaciers, Pakistan is faced with the threat of water shortage which will have a direct impact on the agriculture sector of Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed to immediately launch a public awareness campaign for water conservation. He said immediate steps should be taken for rainwater storage before the onset of monsoon.
The prime minister was also apprised of water shortage in Cholistan. He directed to ensure provision of water to people and animals in Cholistan. He said that district administration and relevant departments should ensure immediate relief activities in the area due to heatwave.
He also directed the Chairman NDMA to immediately visit Hunza. He said the bridge which collapsed in Shishper Glacier outburst incident should be reconstructed immediately.
He directed the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance of SOPs related to heatwave in the public and private sector schools. He also directed the Health Ministry to present a detailed report about the possible impact of new COVID-19 subvariant.
