Flood-hit Pakistan Bets on High-Tech Tools to Protect Farms and Forests Amid Deadly Climate Disasters
Flood-hit Pakistan bets on high-tech tools to safeguard farms and forests. From drones to satellites, the country fights climate change impacts and deadly floods.
Flood-hit Pakistan bets on high-tech tools to combat deadly climate disasters that have devastated farms, forests, and communities. Since late June, nearly 1,000 lives have been lost due to torrential rains, glacial bursts, and flash floods, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
While Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. With economic damages exceeding \$4 billion annually, the country is now investing in drones, satellites, and climate-smart farming to safeguard its people and ecosystems.
Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change, according to Germanwatch’s Climate Risk Index.
- Casualties: Over 504 deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) alone this monsoon season.
- Agricultural Losses: Punjab, the breadbasket of Pakistan, faces reduced yields and crop failures.
- Infrastructure Damage: Thousands of homes, bridges, and roads destroyed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Lt. Gen. Inam Malik, NDMA chief, warned that this year’s flooding will deepen the country’s economic woes, making technology adoption critical.
Deforestation Challenges in the North
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), deforestation has reached “alarming levels.” Over 4 million cubic feet of timber has been cut in Diamer district in just three decades, destabilizing the region’s fragile ecosystem.
GB Home Secretary Ali Asghar revealed the administration is now deploying drones and CCTV cameras to monitor illegal logging and timber smuggling. Despite efforts, the region still suffered Rs50 billion (\$176 million) in losses this monsoon season.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tech-Based Forest Protection
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), known for its forests, has expanded its forest cover from 1.37 million to 1.45 million hectares over the past two decades.
Shahid Zaman, KP’s Secretary of Climate Change, explained new strategies:
- Cloud-linked surveillance cameras at forest check-posts.
- Satellite monitoring of forest cover.
- Dedicated forest protection force.
- Mass plantation drives under the “Billion Tree Tsunami” project.
However, poverty remains a driver of deforestation, as locals rely on wood for fuel.
Punjab’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Revolution
Punjab, the country’s largest agricultural province, is adopting climate-smart practices to boost food security and cut emissions.
Key initiatives include:
- Heat- and cold-resistant crop germplasm, developed at Faisalabad’s University of Agriculture.
- Drip irrigation systems to save water.
- Tunnel farming for high-value crops.
Dr. Shoukat Ali from the university said early trials of weather-resistant crops are “encouraging,” though large-scale adaptation is still underway.
Drones, Satellites, and Smart Farming
Punjab launched its Hawk Eye Project in April, a drone-based surveillance system to monitor industries and pollution. These drones, equipped with thermal imaging, help identify emissions and track illegal activities.
Meanwhile, national initiatives include:
- Electro-optical satellites launched with Chinese collaboration.
- Remote-sensing tools to monitor resources.
- Drone-assisted precision farming for crop monitoring and pest control.
Such tools allow farmers to apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides only where needed, reducing costs and environmental damage.
Satellite Data for Flood Damage Assessment
Punjab’s Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique confirmed that satellite data is now used to assess flood losses.
“The satellite tells us where floodwater entered fields and where it didn’t,” he said. “Compensation will now be based on real-time evidence and data, not guesswork.”
This system is expected to improve transparency in disaster relief and help rebuild trust between government and affected farmers.
Economic Impact of Climate Change
Pakistan’s climate vulnerability costs an estimated \$4 billion annually, a figure that may rise sharply with the increasing frequency of extreme weather.
Key sectors hit hardest include:
- Agriculture: Threatened by droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
- Forestry: Illegal logging and glacier melt destabilizing ecosystems.
- Infrastructure: Repeated destruction of homes, schools, and transport networks.
The reliance on high-tech monitoring tools is seen as a lifeline to reduce losses and build resilience.
Conclusion: A Resilient Path Forward
While flood-hit Pakistan bets on high-tech tools for climate adaptation, challenges remain. Poverty, rapid population growth, and weak infrastructure continue to hinder progress. Yet, by combining cutting-edge technology with community engagement, Pakistan can build a more resilient future for its farms, forests, and people.
The journey may be long, but with satellites, drones, and climate-smart innovations, Pakistan is showing the world how vulnerable nations can fight back against the climate crisis.
