ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that Pakistan may face 22–26 per cent above-normal rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season, warning that climate-driven weather extremes are intensifying. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, speaking alongside Climate Change Minister Dr Musadiq Malik on Wednesday, stressed the need for immediate nationwide preparations to reduce risks and protect vulnerable communities.
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The NDMA chief revealed that 3.1 million people were relocated to safer areas during the current monsoon season—an unprecedented operation that highlighted the scale of climate threats. He noted that both federal and provincial governments hold substantial responsibility in disaster response and said detailed recommendations had already been drafted to better regulate river flows and reduce flood damage.
Lt Gen Malik added that tourism activities would remain restricted in June and July to minimise losses in high-risk zones. He underscored the significance of the country’s early warning system, which alerts provinces six to eight months ahead of potential hazards. Weekly advisories, he said, would allow local authorities to take more proactive and effective precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant departments to begin early preparations to mitigate climate-related risks ahead of next year’s monsoon. Chairing a meeting on disaster preparedness, the premier approved the Ministry of Climate Change’s short-term plan and ordered its swift implementation. He instructed federal ministries, the planning division and the NDMA to work closely with provincial governments to ensure integrated national planning.
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The prime minister also called for convening a meeting of the National Water Council to coordinate a nationwide strategy on climate resilience. Authorities were urged to prioritise protection of lives and property as the country braces for another potentially severe monsoon season driven by escalating climate pressures.