Nathia Gali: In a significant development, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his country’s eagerness to collaborate with Switzerland in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, Pakistan looks forward to receiving an advanced weather warning system from the European nation. The announcement came as Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the head of Pakistan’s disaster management authority, signed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the picturesque Nathia Gali resort, situated approximately 52 miles from Islamabad. The MoU solidifies the partnership between the two countries to effectively manage risks associated with natural disasters, with a specific focus on pooling resources to bolster Pakistan’s disaster response capabilities.
During his three-day visit to Pakistan, Foreign Minister Cassis emphasized the significance of this MoU, stating that it serves as a crucial step towards assisting Pakistan in overcoming the devastating impacts of climate change. He further underscored that Pakistan’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation transcending national boundaries to combat climate change.
Pakistan, situated in South Asia, has been grappling with the devastating consequences of climate-induced rainfall and floods. Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, the nation has disproportionately borne the brunt of climate-related disasters.
In fact, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide that are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. In the previous summer, flash floods claimed the lives of over 1,700 people and left millions homeless, inflicting a staggering £23 billion in losses on the national economy.
Tragically, the current monsoon season, which commenced in June, has already claimed the lives of 55 individuals, including eight children. This somber reality reinforces the urgency of implementing robust disaster management measures and collaborative climate action.
With the MoU in place, Pakistan and Switzerland are set to work hand in hand, combining their resources and expertise to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters. This partnership aims to alleviate the suffering of the Pakistani people and build resilience against climate-related challenges. The advanced weather warning system promised by Switzerland will undoubtedly play a crucial role in enhancing early warning capabilities and mitigating the impacts of climate-induced disasters. As the world grapples with the pressing threat of climate change, international collaborations like this serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the power of unity in the face of adversity.