ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced in-principle approval for declaring a climate and agricultural emergency in view of the ongoing monsoon rains and flood situation across the country.
The prime minister will soon convene a meeting of the chief ministers of all four provinces and relevant officials to formulate a strategy aimed at mitigating further damage from the adverse effects of climate change.
The decision was taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, where members were briefed on the extent of flood losses. Millions of acres of agricultural land and crops have been damaged, the cabinet was told, with members suggesting measures for infrastructure restoration, compensation to farmers, and support for agricultural recovery.
The cabinet strongly condemned offensive content and derogatory statements being circulated on social media against the martyrs and the armed forces.
Paying tribute to the officers and soldiers who continue to defend the country’s borders, members also lauded the families of martyrs for their sacrifices. The cabinet directed strict action against those involved in malicious campaigns, with the prime minister declaring that discouraging such elements was a national responsibility.
“The Pakistani nation can never forget the immense sacrifices of its martyrs and their families. I, along with the entire nation, am proud of them,” the prime minister said. The meeting also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of Major Adnan Aslam Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom in the Bannu Operation.
Condolences and prayers were also offered for the late mother of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the elder brother of Minister of State for Food Security Malik Rasheed Ahmad Khan, and the father of former Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Asif Sanjrani.
The prime minister strongly condemned the “illegal and heinous” Israeli bombing in Doha, which resulted in civilian casualties and property damage. He expressed solidarity with the Emir of Qatar, the royal family, and the people of Qatar over the tragedy.
Separately, the cabinet approved a proposal by the Ministry of Petroleum to provide RLNG connections to long-waiting consumers. Following this decision, the Sui Southern and Sui Northern Gas Companies will begin extending these connections. RLNG, officials informed, will be around 30% cheaper than LPG, providing significant relief to households.
The cabinet also approved the trilateral inter-governmental framework agreement for a joint feasibility study on a strategic rail link between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Signed last month, the project is expected to play a key role in boosting regional trade and connectivity. Endorsing the agreement, the cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of this initiative.
In addition, the cabinet ratified decisions taken earlier by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), and the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases (CCLC).
With the climate and agricultural emergency gaining in-principle approval, the government is now focused on crafting a comprehensive response plan to safeguard livelihoods, restore farmlands, and reinforce the country’s resilience to climate shocks.
