Finance Minister calls for sustainable financing for climate resilience

October 23, 2026 (MLN): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has termed climate change and population growth Pakistan’s two existential challenges, saying both carry far-reaching consequences for economic stability, food security, communities and public finances, and called for stronger disaster preparedness, climate resilience and risk management.

The remarks came during a meeting between Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and outgoing National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, along with incoming Chairman Lt Gen Hasan Khattak, held to discuss disaster preparedness and Pakistan’s capacity to handle climate-related risks, according to a press release issued.

Senator Aurangzeb noted that climate change and its impact on Pakistan also came up in talks with international partners on the sidelines of the recent IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, which underlines the need for better national preparedness.

Lt Gen Malik briefed the minister on Pakistan’s long-range climate forecasting system, which can give outlooks up to 12 months ahead, and on efforts to improve it further.

The finance minister stressed that forecasts must be turned into timely decisions and effective early-warning measures.

The meeting also discussed linking long-range forecasts with shorter-term monitoring by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and other agencies, so that vulnerable communities receive timely information and can act on it.

NDMA leadership also outlined work on the Global Resilience Hub and the Next Generation Technologies initiative, which aim to move Pakistan from a reactive disaster-response model to proactive, technology-driven risk reduction.

These initiatives could help with knowledge-sharing, showcase Pakistan’s forecasting capabilities and attract greater engagement from international partners.

The meeting also stressed the need to build lasting national expertise in climate science and forecasting through clear institutional ownership, structured training and specialised technical staff.

Senator Aurangzeb said continuity of expertise and stronger institutional capacity are necessary for long-term climate adaptation, mitigation and disaster-risk management.

On financing, the finance minister pointed to the need to mobilise resources for disaster preparedness and climate resilience, using domestic resources effectively and working with international development partners.

The discussion also focused on prioritising investments and developing practical, implementable projects that improve preparedness and deliver measurable results.

Senator Aurangzeb praised Lt Gen Malik’s contributions during his tenure as NDMA chairman, highlighted the importance of institutional continuity in the disaster-management framework, and extended his best wishes to Lt Gen Khattak as he takes charge of the Authority.

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