PM directs early monsoon preparedness amid weather variability across Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to make advance preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, stressing the need for continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas and strengthening early warning systems to reduce climate-related risks.

During a meeting in Islamabad with Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, the prime minister reviewed ongoing arrangements for monsoon preparedness. He instructed that the early warning system should be made more active and effective, particularly in regions prone to flooding and extreme weather events.

Officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of installing advanced monitoring systems designed to predict flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in mountainous areas. These systems are considered critical for safeguarding communities living in high-risk zones of northern Pakistan.

Rains trigger floods and landslides in Lower Kohistan

The meeting also reviewed coordination between federal and provincial agencies to ensure timely response mechanisms during heavy rains. The government emphasised the importance of disaster preparedness in light of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that hot and dry conditions are expected across most parts of the country in the coming days. Extremely hot weather is likely in Sindh and southern Balochistan, while isolated areas of upper Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and the Potohar region may experience rain, wind, dust storms and thunderstorms.

Temperature readings recorded this morning showed Islamabad at 20°C, Lahore at 28°C, Karachi at 29°C, Peshawar at 23°C, Quetta at 18°C, Gilgit at 11°C and Murree at 13°C.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, partly cloudy weather is expected in Srinagar, Leh, Pulwama, Baramulla, Anantnag, Shopian and Jammu, with varying temperatures across the region.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious as weather conditions may shift rapidly during the seasonal transition period.