PM Stresses Urgent Need for New Water Reservoirs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that building new water reservoirs is essential for Pakistan to handle the growing challenges of climate change.
Speaking in Narowal alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Prime Minister addressed the recent devastation caused by heavy rains and floods.
“We must prepare for the challenge of climate change in the coming years,” PM Shehbaz stated. “Constructing new water reservoirs is the need of the hour.”
Acknowledging Recent Flood Damage
The Prime Minister expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property due to severe flooding. He mentioned that Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have suffered greatly, while intense floodwaters are currently passing through the plains of Punjab.
He praised the relentless efforts of the Punjab government, rescue teams, police, and the irrigation department. “I want to congratulate them from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “Their excellent teamwork has helped to keep the damage to a minimum.”
Learning from the Past and Building for the Future
Recalling the devastating floods of 2022, which primarily affected Sindh and Balochistan and destroyed crops over millions of acres, the Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
“We must use our own resources to store water and increase the country’s storage capacity,” he urged. He pointed out that Pakistan has the potential and capability to construct several new small dams, which will be a crucial step in securing the nation’s future against climate-related disasters.
