Islamabad, September 11, 2025 — The Pakistan climate emergency was declared on Wednesday after devastating floods swept across the country, prompting the government to unlock recovery funds and prepare a nationwide resilience plan.
Rising Waters Push Pakistan to Act
The decision, announced Wednesday, unlocks urgent recovery funds and tasks the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination with drafting a comprehensive preparedness plan. Officials said the framework will target flood-resilient housing, riverbank protection, and stricter land-use enforcement.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past,” said Environment Minister Sherry Rehman, calling for an immediate shift toward climate-resilient infrastructure.
Systemic Challenges Behind the Disaster
Environmental specialists note that unchecked construction in floodplains, fragile embankments, and outdated drainage networks worsened the damage.
Dr. Imran Akhtar, a senior researcher at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, urged “bold regulations to stop risky development in hazard-prone zones.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations commended Pakistan for relocating many affected families but warned of persistent gaps in relief supplies, sanitation, and health services. It encouraged stronger collaboration between federal agencies, local governments, and humanitarian groups.
A Turning Point for Climate Policy
Declaring a climate emergency marks a pivotal shift for a country ranked among the world’s most climate-vulnerable. The move comes as Pakistan struggles to balance rapid urban growth with disaster preparedness.
International observers expect the new roadmap to align with Paris Agreement targets and prioritize early-warning systems, mangrove restoration, and public awareness campaigns.
“This is not just a short-term response — it’s a call to rebuild smarter,” said Rehman.
