Islamabad: Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Humera Moriani has underscored the urgent need for Pakistan to transition from a reactive to a proactive, risk-based approach to drought management.

According to Radio Pakistan, addressing a national consultative workshop on the National Drought Action Plan (NDAP) in Islamabad, she warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts in Pakistan. The Federal Secretary emphasized that drought is no longer an occasional risk but a persistent threat affecting agriculture, water resources, food security, ecosystems, and livelihoods. She noted that past responses have largely focused on relief rather than preparedness.

The secretary highlighted the importance of a coordinated policy framework and acknowledged the role of partners, including the International Water Management Institute and the Pakistan Meteorological Department, in developing the Pakistan Drought Management System for real-time monitoring and early warnings. She stressed that data must be translated into timely, evidence-based decisions and effective implementation.

She stated that the Ministry of Climate Change, with support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, has developed the NDAP, focusing on key areas such as governance, early warning systems, resource mobilization, and capacity building. She noted that the workshop aimed to finalize an operational framework and roadmap for its implementation.