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Heatwaves, rains, floods: Climate change is here and Pakistan needs to act now

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Climate-induced migration is a harsh reality that Pakistan faces. Not everyone will be able to go back to their original place of residence after the waters recede, in fact, that place may not exist anymore.

Social media is awash with horrifying images of the havoc monsoon rains that have wreaked on a wide swathe of Pakistan.

People living in low-lying areas, in the path of hill torrents, or on poorly made embankments are awash in the misery of floods brought in the wake of the monsoon spell.

However, if we remove the date from the posts, and newspaper and television reports, the realisation would dawn that we have seen such images many times in the past.

Repeatedly, there have been glacial lake outburst floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, which rarely make it into the headlines.

Hill torrents raging down their beds, streams and rivers bursting their banks and sweeping away whatever comes in their way in Balochistan, leading to massive damage and loss of lives and livestock are a familiar feature whenever there are torrential rains. These have been alternating with the other extreme of drought, to which this region is also prone.

Sindh suffers from too little, and then too much water. This year, like a previous couple of years, the monsoon has been punishing and relentless.

Its towns and cities are inundated and there seems to be no end to the misery of the people because the water levels are not subsiding. The provincial capital, Karachi, has taken a battering due to unprecedented rains that have broken all previous records.

While parts of Punjab suffered from what is still being called a ‘pre-monsoon’ spell, with heavy rain and hail storms in March which flattened standing crops. And all of the above came on the heels of a severe heat spell that impacted all parts of the country, even the northern glacial valleys, which experienced temperatures in excess of 30 degrees centigrade.

What is causing the extreme weather events in Pakistan?

Well, this is what climate scientists and meteorological experts have been warning about for years now.

The unpredictability, frequency, and ferocity of weather events are one of the manifestations of climate change. Rising sea surface temperatures mean more moisture uptake by the weather systems, which then drop them over the land in unprecedented volumes. Our systems are just not geared to cope with even half that volume.

Hence, we see the flooded streets and overflowing drains in the cities.

Nature manifests its wrath at the obstructions put in its way by humans by reclaiming the river and stream beds, and slopes stripped barren off the soil binding tree cover by bringing down boulders and debris in the hill tracts and alongside the river banks.

Former director general of Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, Dr Qamaruzzaman Chaudhury, has said that the erratic nature of the precipitation and extreme events are a clear indication of the impacts of climate change.

This is why Pakistan must focus on ‘Climate Proofing’ its infrastructure and systems against the shocks of nature. That is the only way to cope since there is little way of mitigation that we can do.

Could the damage have been minimized?

Yes. As Arif Goheer, a scientist at the Islamabad-based Global Change Impacts Studies Center points out that the warning had been sounded way back in April by the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum.

The outlook was developed by climate experts from eight South Asian countries, as well as international experts doing climate modelling.

Heatwaves, rains, floods: Climate change is here and Pakistan needs to act now

The map clearly shows the extent and the intensity predicted. The period being cited is June to September, which means more is yet to come.

Usually, in Pakistan, the monsoon commences in August. This year June and July have been debilitating. On the basis of this information, Pakistan’s own Meteorological Department put out the Monsoon Outlook on June 7.

But were the municipal services ready? No.

Were the disaster ‘management’ bodies ready? No.

Were the communication departments of the provinces, responsible for roads and bridges, ready? No.

We are seeing the same reactive response that we have seen in the wake of natural disasters before, therefore rescue and relief. While rehabilitation is still a long way off.

Why were the vulnerable areas not mapped? Why were rescue parties not posted before bridges collapsed and roads were washed away?

Thankfully Pakistan has community organizations and philanthropic organisations, which have morphed into disaster management organisations that always swing into action when disaster strikes.

These organisations rely on the large-heartedness of fellow Pakistanis. But instead of them acting as supplementing the efforts of the government agencies, they assume the role of the primary relief providers.

Climate change is not something in the future. It is here and now.

Knee jerk actions like rescue and relief, which are the need of the hour, will not suffice.

Climate-induced migration is a harsh reality that Pakistan faces. Not everyone will be able to go back to their original place of residence after the waters recede, in fact, that place may not exist anymore. Or may have been stripped of all the resources that allowed them to make a living there.

An infrastructure audit needs to be done.

We are a data deficient country. But if there is one thing that climate change needs to change is the ad hoc approach to dealing with disasters like the present rains.

We need to map out vulnerable ecosystems, people and biodiversity in those regions and see how to shore up the coping mechanisms.

The science-academia-government departments’ nexus needs to be built and strengthened if we are to get out of the reactive mode.


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Speech Made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister on the International Day Against Poverty

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In renewing our commitment to a world where no one is left behind and where possibilities for success are unrestricted by one’s origin or circumstances, Pakistan stands together with the global community on this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In addition to being morally right, ending poverty is essential to attaining sustainable development and guaranteeing everyone’s peace and prosperity.

The people have always been the center of every policy made by our government. We have significantly reduced poverty and made sure that our most vulnerable residents are taken care of thanks to our social safety net programs. We think that providing long-term routes to economic empowerment is equally as important as providing instant relief when it comes to assisting people in escaping poverty. Our focused initiatives seek to equip communities—women and children in particular—with the means to create better futures for themselves.

The Pakistani government is steadfast in its commitment to improving the affordability of living for its citizens despite the obstacles we face on a global scale, such as inflation and economic instability. Our policies are designed to build long-term economic resilience, from meeting housing needs to guaranteeing food security. With the help of programs like the PM Youth Business, Agriculture Loans, Digi-Skills, which offers free IT training, and the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, millions of families are receiving financial support and technological help that is changing their lives.

Eradicating poverty is also a top priority for Pakistan, which is still fully committed to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we will keep working together with our international partners to achieve these goals. The advancements made in empowering women and guaranteeing that their contributions are essential to the country’s social and economic fabric are another reason for pride.

On this day, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who is devotedly striving to end poverty, both in Pakistan and globally. We can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstances, has the chance to flourish and succeed by uniting with a shared purpose and unwavering determination.

I speak on behalf of the Government of Pakistan to reiterate our steadfast commitment to this cause and to extend an invitation to all facets of society to work with us to create a world that is more wealthy, just, and inclusive.

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Karan Johar compliments Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tauba Tauba.’

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Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, a social media sensation known for his song ‘Bado Badi’, has garnered attention once more after posting his rendition of the classic track ‘Tauba Tauba’ on Instagram.

The song, initially included in the Vicky Kaushal film ‘Bad Newz’, achieved significant popularity due to its infectious rhythms and distinctive choreography.

Chahat’s rendition garnered heightened attention after Bollywood director Karan Johar reposted it on his Instagram, urging fans to ‘must see’ the song.

Karan Johar Chahat Fateh

Chahat’s performance garnered mixed to unfavorable responses from the audience. As the infectious melody rapidly gained popularity, the original artist, Karan Aujla, could not refrain from contributing a funny remark regarding the new rendition.

He humorously commented under Chahat’s post, “Please do not act like an uncle.” The reply provoked a barrage of caustic remarks from internet users, with one individual jesting, “Karan Aujla weeping in the corner.”

Others contributed their own comical interpretations, with comments such as “Karan himself advised uncle to cease” and “your song – toba toba,” thereby accentuating the playful repartee.

Karan Aujla’s original ‘Tauba Tauba’ achieved immediate success, showcasing Vicky Kaushal’s energetic dance performance in ‘Bad Newz,’ which also included Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri.

The ongoing lighthearted rivalry is delighting fans who appreciate the fun interactions between these two skilled artists.

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It is essential to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism for regional peace. Jaishankar

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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his remarks at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, underscored the necessity of peace, stability, and regional collaboration to foster economic development and prosperity.

He emphasized that cross-border infiltration undermines trade and hinders diplomatic relations between nations, underscoring the necessity of mutual respect and sovereign equality among SCO members.

Jaishankar emphasized the capacity of industrial collaboration, especially among small and medium companies (SMEs), to enhance employment, competition, and market expansion. The Indian foreign minister noted, “Collective initiatives can enhance resources and stimulate investment flows, benefiting business communities through expanded networks.”

Emphasizing environmental sustainability, Jaishankar endorsed collaborative efforts in environmental protection, highlighting that the International Solar Alliance can advance renewable energy, while the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure equips member nations to confront climate-related challenges.

He also discussed global health concerns, claiming that affordable and accessible medications will facilitate the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Jaishankar advocated for extensive reforms in international organizations, highlighting the necessity to modernize entities such as the United Nations Security Council. He stated, “Global trade and rebalancing are undeniable realities,” encouraging SCO states to capitalize on rising opportunities in trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

Jaishankar emphasized that the area can only derive advantages from these potential if collaboration is founded on authentic partnerships rather than unilateral objectives. He advocated for a candid dialogue among SCO members to tackle trust problems and foster regional development. He stated that mutual trust and cooperation are essential for attaining regional progress.

Furthermore, Jaishankar emphasized the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on developing countries and expressed apprehensions regarding escalating debt and the worldwide delay in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He recognized the potential afforded by technology, yet emphasized that it also presents new issues requiring community resolution.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s endorsement of Pakistan’s effective leadership of the SCO this year and commended the host nation for leading the summit. He finished by urging SCO member nations to adhere to the organization’s aims, especially the enhancement of mutual trust, camaraderie, and amicable relations.

Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for the SCO to assume a pivotal role in tackling regional and global challenges, especially in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he deemed essential for maintaining peace and stability.

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