Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that the government has decided to increase the country’s water storage capacity in response to India’s alleged attempts to weaponize water resources.
During his visit to the National Emergencies Operations Center, the prime minister referred to a recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which emphasized that India has no unilateral authority to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. He noted that despite this legal position, India’s hostile intentions towards Pakistan remain evident.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the prime minister said the government would expedite the development of non-controversial water storage projects under the Water Accord with provinces, leveraging the legal framework already in place. He stressed the importance of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in supporting these efforts.
The prime minister directed authorities to regularly issue weather alerts and disaster warnings via SMS and phone messages in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
In his nationally televised remarks, he recalled the devastating floods of 2022, which inflicted widespread destruction across the country. He emphasized that although Pakistan contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the most vulnerable nations to climate-induced natural disasters like cloudbursts and glacial melting.
Read More: https://theneutral.pk/peshawar-brt-fare-hiked-rs30-set-as-new-minimum-for-short-rides/
Referencing the tragic incident in Swat where lives were lost, the prime minister urged for a transparent review and called for a joint strategy with provincial governments to prevent future disasters. He instructed that a comprehensive report be compiled and a robust mechanism be formulated.
He also noted that following the 2022 floods, relevant ministries had successfully negotiated funding through grants and public-private partnerships to develop resilient infrastructure.
Praising the National Emergencies Operations Center, the prime minister expressed confidence that the platform would play a vital role in driving economic and social development. He assured full government support for strengthening the institution and enhancing its capacity.
Commending the NDMA’s efficient relief efforts for Turkiye and Myanmar, the prime minister said he was pleased with the authority’s seamless coordination. He also expressed hope that this world-class facility would remain effectively connected with provincial units, enabling the dissemination of real-time information through early warning systems.
During the visit, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik briefed the prime minister on the current monsoon outlook, flood situations, and the precautionary steps being implemented.
