ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has taken a significant step to modernize its flood forecasting and climate risk management systems, aligning them with contemporary global standards.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched a comprehensive initiative under the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP), titled the Modernization of Hydro-Met Services of Pakistan (MHSP).
The project aims to enhance Pakistan’s ability to predict climate-induced disasters, provide accurate and reliable meteorological information, and strengthen the country’s resilience against natural calamities.
Under the plan, 110 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), four advanced weather surveillance radars, and a high-performance computing system will be installed nationwide. Work is also underway on the establishment of system integrators, radar consultancy firms, and state-of-the-art observatories. The Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (IMG) and the Meteorological Workshop in Karachi are being upgraded as part of the initiative.
The project also includes the creation of regional climate data processing centers and the formulation of a National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), transforming Pakistan’s meteorological system into a more integrated and automated network. The program is being overseen by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
According to official reports, Rs. 2.99 billion have been allocated for MHSP under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26, of which Rs. 312.78 million have been utilized so far. An additional Rs. 206 million has been requested for the current quarter.
By September 2025, the project had made substantial progress. Procurement of automatic weather stations has been finalized, with contract signings expected soon, while the acquisition of weather monitoring radars is in its final stages.
The evaluation of financial bids for System Integrator Consultancy has been completed, and the technical review for Radar Consultancy is underway.
The PMD has also requested an additional $42 million in funding to cover taxes, inflationary impacts, and financial gaps.
A senior official from the Ministry of Planning said the project’s completion will bring a transformative improvement in flood management, weather forecasting, agriculture, water resource planning, and disaster mitigation.
He added that this advanced system will enable Pakistan to access precise, timely, and science-based climate
