PM Shehbaz orders probe into non-functional early weather warning systems in G-B

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the non-functional early weather warning systems in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), expressing anger over their failure despite clear directives issued last year. According to the statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), chairing a meeting on monsoon preparedness and measures to tackle climate-related risks, the prime minister warned that negligence and poor performance by relevant institutions would not be tolerated. The prime minister expressed displeasure over the failure to fully activate early warning systems installed in G-B, particularly those aimed at preventing Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), ordering an inquiry into the continued non-functionality of the system and the poor performance of relevant institutions, despite clear directives issued last year. “Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, and urgent action is required,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate environmental risks. اسلام آباد : 23 اپریل, 2026. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی نے مون سون کی پیشگی تیاری، موسمیاتی تغیر اور ماحولیاتی خطرات سے بچاؤ کے اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کی. غیر معمولی موسمیاتی تغیر، بالخصوص گلوف سے بچاؤ کے لیے گلگت بلتستان میں نصب پیشگی وارننگ سسٹم کے مکمل طور پر… pic.twitter.com/UbK81Q72f6 — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 23, 2026 PM Shehbaz directed all federal institutions to work closely with provinces to remove obstacles in policy implementation and ensure effective coordination. Referring to last year’s monsoon season, he noted that illegal encroachments along river paths and flood channels had worsened the impact of flooding, saying a more effective pre-emptive strategy had been adopted this year to address the issue. While emphasising the importance of ensuring full functionality of early warning systems and the provision of necessary digital monitoring infrastructure, the premier instructed all departments to enhance their capacity and go beyond available resources to ensure public safety during potential floods.  PM Shehbaz directed the Ministry of Climate Change, the Planning Ministry, and other relevant departments to take unified and practical steps in coordination with provincial governments. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Climate Minister Musadik Malik, and Finance Minister Aurangzeb, along with senior officials and provincial chief secretaries. Officials, including the National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed (Retd), and representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, briefed the meeting on steps taken in line with the prime minister’s directives. Read More: EU unveils €3m aid boost for Pakistan flood victims The devastating floods that struck the country last year had caused an estimated Rs3,856 billion in damages, while the economy faced an additional Rs740b in potential losses, officials from the Ministry of Planning disclosed in October 2025. The NDMA in September 2025 revealed that at least 1,006 people had lost their lives during last year's rains and floods. The NDMA figures show Punjab accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 304 deaths - including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported 504 deaths, which included 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women. Sindh reported 80 deaths, including 35 children, while Balochistan confirmed 30 fatalities. Gilgit-Baltistan lost 41 people, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 38, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) nine. Flood-related incidents also left 1,063 people injured nationwide. Punjab again reported the highest number of injuries, with 661 individuals affected. K-P reported 218 injuries, Sindh 87, G-B 52, AJK 37, Balochistan five, and ICT three.

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