Pakistan has introduced its National Drought Action Plan, marking a shift toward proactive, risk-based drought management.
Officials say the initiative responds to growing concerns over climate change, which is intensifying water stress and increasing the frequency of droughts across the country.
Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Humera Moriani highlighted the need to move beyond reactive measures.
She stated that drought is no longer a rare event. Instead, it has become a persistent threat affecting agriculture, water resources, food security, and livelihoods. The new strategy focuses on early preparedness rather than post-impact relief.
Officials warned that rising temperatures and climate variability are worsening drought conditions.
Pakistan already faces high water risk, making it vulnerable to prolonged dry periods. Therefore, authorities are prioritising long-term resilience and planning. Moriani stressed that effective drought management requires coordinated policies and institutional support.
The government, with support from international partners, has developed a drought monitoring system. This system provides real-time data and early warnings. However, officials noted that data alone is insufficient. Authorities must ensure timely, evidence-based decisions and effective implementation on the ground.
Key Pillars of the Drought Plan
The national plan includes several core areas:
- Planning and resource mobilisation
- Governance and policy reforms
- Early warning systems
- Local mitigation strategies
- Capacity building
These pillars aim to create a comprehensive and sustainable drought response framework.
The plan emphasises coordination among federal and provincial governments, technical agencies, and development partners. Institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and international organisations will play key roles. Officials are also working on establishing a National Drought Management Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee.
Read: Pakistan Faces Drought Alert in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab
A national consultative workshop in Islamabad brought together key stakeholders to finalise the implementation roadmap. Participants discussed priority sectors, institutional roles, and timelines for short-, medium-, and long-term actions.
The expected outcome includes a clear operational framework and reporting structure for effective execution.
