Pakistan Declares Agriculture and Climate Emergency, PM

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially declared a climate and agricultural emergency across Pakistan in response to the recent monsoon devastation and widespread flooding.

The announcement came during a federal cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, where the government gave principled approval for the imposition of the national emergencies. The move is aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change and reviving the agricultural sector affected by seasonal disasters.

High-Level Meeting with Provinces

The Prime Minister also announced the formation of a high-level meeting, bringing together the chief ministers of all four provinces and relevant stakeholders. The session will focus on disaster response, damage control, and the formulation of a long-term national action plan to tackle future climate threats.

Cabinet members received a detailed briefing on the losses caused by floods, including destruction of farmland, crops, and rural infrastructure. Suggestions were presented to support affected farmers and restore critical infrastructure.

“We cannot overcome climate change overnight,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz during the meeting. “It is a massive challenge that requires collective effort and a well-defined roadmap.”

He directed the Ministry of Climate Change to present a comprehensive program to address the crisis. The Prime Minister highlighted that thousands of acres of farmland in Punjab were submerged and the government is currently assessing the damage to crops.

Condemnation of Anti-Army Content Online

The federal cabinet also strongly condemned the circulation of derogatory content on social media targeting the martyrs and the armed forces of Pakistan. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for strict action against those spreading hate and misinformation.

“It is our national duty to discourage those who insult the sacrifices of our martyrs,” said the Prime Minister.

A special prayer was offered for Major Adnan Aslam, who was martyred during the Bannu operation.

Solidarity with Qatar Amid Israeli Bombing

PM Shehbaz also condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Doha, Qatar, expressing full solidarity with the Emir of Qatar, the royal family, and the people of the country. He labeled the attack a serious violation of sovereignty and international norms.

Public Relief Measures Approved

To ease the burden on citizens, the cabinet approved a summary from the Ministry of Petroleum to provide RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) connections to consumers currently waiting for gas connections. This initiative is expected to lower gas costs by 30% compared to LPG.

Regional Connectivity and Trade Agreement Endorsed

The cabinet also endorsed a trilateral framework agreement between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan for a joint feasibility study on regional railway connectivity. The agreement was termed a strategic step to boost regional trade and infrastructure development.

Additionally, the cabinet approved recent decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Committee, and the Legislation Committee.

Read more: Afghanistan Start Asia Cup 2025 with a Stunning Win, Defeat Hong Kong by 94 Runs

He stressed upon formulation of a comprehensive roadmap and strategy to overcome the challenges posed by climate change, which had been pummeling the country with recurrent bouts of catastrophic effects. while taking notice of the flood situation in Karachi and other areas of Sindh, directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to fully cooperate with the provincial government and Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in relief operations.

The prime minister also appreciated the active rescue operations being carried out by Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, and Rangers in Karachi.

According to a press statement issued by the PM office, the prime minister also expressed sorrow over the drowning of citizens in the Gadap stream.

The prime minister instructed relevant authorities to locate the missing persons in the floods as soon as possible.

“The awareness campaign should be further activated to inform the public about the flood situation to protect as many citizens as possible,” PM Shehbaz Sharif added.

He also directed authorities to take immediate steps for the restoration of the flood-affected communication infrastructure.

“The federal and Sindh governments are fully mobilized to deal with the flood situation,” he said, emphasizing that the relief and rehabilitation of families affected by the floods in Karachi must be prioritized.