Lahore: Stakeholders Alliance on Climate Change in Pakistan

Lahore I Provincial Disaster Management Authority Organized by The conference Speaking today, Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique said that PDMA is taking innovative measures to protect people from natural disasters.

A conference was organized today in Lahore on the topic of ‘how to prevent natural disasters’ organized by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other national and international private organizations.

Provincial Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafiq was the chief guest of the conference. Senior Member Board of Revenue and DG PDMA were also present in the conference.

Speaking at the conference, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique further said that the Punjab government is also keen to increase cooperation with international NGOs. By benefiting from the experiences of NGOs, they will take beneficial measures for the people.

US Consul General Kirsten K. Hawkins, who participated in the conference, said that Pakistan is among the countries affected by climate change. Fighting climate change is possible through cooperation because no country can fight natural disasters alone.’

Talking to Independent Urdu, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said, ‘The purpose of the conference was to see the pre-monsoon and pre-flood arrangements at the provincial and district levels.’ The purpose of bringing all the partners together here was to share the necessary information with each other, so that God willing, if any emergency situation arises, we can serve the public.’

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He said that for the first time in the history of Punjab, such a conference has been held in which local issues were discussed with international organizations. “When there is an emergency, all the international agencies are helping us, that’s why we invited all the stakeholders here.”

Speaking to Independent Urdu, Amjad Jamal, a communication specialist from the International Water Management Authority, said, “This conference should have been a little early because we are talking about preparing for an emergency situation in the monsoon when the monsoon has begun. Some areas of South Punjab like Dera Ghazi Khan Hill have been affected by the torrent, but there is still benefit because all partners are together.’

Speaking to Independent Urdu after the conference, Rizwan Naseer, director general of Punjab Rescue Services, said, ‘The main thing is how well trained we are to deal with a disaster, but also to prepare in advance and manage it. It is very important to review the strategy of Punjab.

Speaking to Independent Urdu, an official of the United Nations Immigration Agency, Subisin, who participated in the conference, said, “Everyone knows that Pakistan is at high risk regarding climate change and we need to cooperate fully with the relevant institutions.”