Climate change, Population growth pose Pakistan’s biggest challenges: Aurangzeb

ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday described climate change and rapid population growth as the two greatest existential challenges facing Pakistan, stressing that sustainable economic growth depends on effectively addressing both issues through long-term planning and investment.

Speaking during a visit to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters, the finance minister said the government had launched a US$2 billion programme aimed at strengthening climate resilience and mitigating the impacts of environmental degradation.

He added that approximately US$700 million annually has been allocated to tackle natural disasters, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect both lives and critical infrastructure.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The minister noted that recurring floods, heat waves, droughts, and other extreme weather events continue to place enormous pressure on the country’s economy and development.

Referring to the devastating floods of 2022, the minister described them as the worst natural disaster in Pakistan’s history. The catastrophe claimed the lives of more people, displaced millions, and caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, bridges, crops, and public infrastructure.

Finance Minister said that while the floods experienced in 2025 also resulted in significant infrastructure damage, the loss of human lives was considerably lower due to the government’s improved disaster preparedness and the NDMA’s proactive response strategy.

“The comprehensive planning, timely warnings and coordinated efforts of the NDMA helped minimise casualties during this year’s floods,” Aurangzeb said. “Although infrastructure losses remained substantial, many precious lives were saved through effective preparedness and swift response mechanisms.”

The finance minister also highlighted the shift in Pakistan’s disaster financing strategy. He recalled that following the 2022 floods, the country relied heavily on international assistance and commitments made during the Geneva Conference for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

However, he said the government is now increasingly mobilising domestic resources to respond to climate-related disasters and strengthen national resilience.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s improving economic indicators have created greater fiscal space for investing in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. He expressed confidence that the country is moving towards a sustainable growth phase supported by sound economic policies and comprehensive planning.

He added that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet have decided to prioritise the use of national resources to develop and implement an effective strategy for reducing the impact of future natural disasters.

The minister underscored the importance of real-time data, early warning systems, and pre-emptive planning in disaster management.

He said accurate and timely information enables authorities to make informed decisions, improve emergency response, and significantly reduce human and economic losses during natural calamities.

Aurangzeb commended the NDMA for adopting modern technologies and data-driven systems that have enhanced Pakistan’s disaster preparedness. He praised the authority’s pre-emptive approach, saying it played a crucial role in protecting communities and reducing the overall impact of floods and other natural disasters.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient Pakistan, the finance minister said continued investment in disaster management, environmental protection, and sustainable development would remain essential to safeguarding lives, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring long-term economic stability.