Urgent Action Ordered: PM Demands Advanced Weather Alert System for Tourist Sites in Gilgit-Baltistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the installation of an advanced weather alert system for tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan to prevent future climate-related disasters.
Advanced weather alert system installation has become a top priority for Pakistan’s federal government after devastating monsoon-triggered floods hit Gilgit-Baltistan in July 2025. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a high-level meeting on August 4, ordered urgent action to deploy forecasting and early warning mechanisms tailored for tourist hotspots and vulnerable local communities.
This strategic move aims to protect both lives and livelihoods in the wake of recurring climate disasters.
PM’s Orders: Advanced Weather Alert System a Top Priority
At the meeting held to review the flood damage and rehabilitation status in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that a modern early warning system must be operationalized within two months. He directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Climate Change to collaborate in developing a real-time monitoring and forecasting center.
“We must protect our tourists and our people before disaster strikes,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “Climate change is no longer a threat; it’s our reality.”
The focus keyword, advanced weather alert system, was mentioned repeatedly as the centerpiece of this new resilience policy.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Climate Emergency Response
The Gilgit-Baltistan region has seen an increasing number of climate-induced emergencies, particularly Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, and intense rainfall due to cloudbursts. On July 21, 2025, cloudbursts in Thak-Babusar, Thor, Kundus, and Ishkoman caused severe disruption.
More than 600 people were rescued, and several roads and bridges were either washed away or heavily damaged. The PM expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and reiterated the need for resilient infrastructure.
Rescue Operations and On-Ground Relief
The rescue operation was one of the most extensive in recent history, involving:
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Deployment of 10 helicopters and 2 C-130 aircraft
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Establishment of five tent villages for displaced populations
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Coordination between NDMA, Pakistan Army, GBDMA, Rescue 1122, and health workers
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of rescue teams and ordered accelerated relief and rehabilitation for all those affected.
Internal Link: Read more about NDMA’s disaster readiness
Future-Proofing Through Climate Resilience
The Prime Minister stressed that all damaged infrastructure must be rebuilt with climate resilience as a core design principle. This includes:
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Bridges and roads designed to withstand future floods
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Water channels diverted away from local settlements
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Shelter designs compatible with regional climate risks
Moreover, the Ministry of Communications and NDMA were ordered to ensure third-party validation of all reconstruction work to ensure quality and durability.
Climate Change and Pakistan’s Vulnerability
Despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change. The PM highlighted the injustice of this imbalance:
“We emit almost nothing, yet we suffer everything,” he noted.
Such remarks underline Pakistan’s position in the global climate justice movement and the need for international support.
External Link: Pakistan Climate Risk Profile – World Bank
Government Collaboration and Key Stakeholders
The meeting was attended by top federal and provincial officials, including:
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Federal Ministers Amir Muqam, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar
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Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah
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Chief Minister GB Gulbar Khan
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NDMA Chairman Inam Haider Malik
Key outcomes included:
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Deployment of the GLOF Early Warning System in high-risk zones
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Continuous weather monitoring in tourist-heavy valleys
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Direct consultation by the Minister for Water Resources on water management planning
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s directive to launch an advanced weather alert system marks a turning point in Pakistan’s disaster preparedness strategy—especially for the tourism-driven and ecologically sensitive Gilgit-Baltistan region. By investing in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and integrated disaster response, Pakistan is taking a proactive step toward climate resilience.
However, long-term success will depend on timely implementation, community awareness, and sustained political commitment. With climate emergencies becoming the new normal, advance alerts and early actions are no longer optional—they’re essential.
