Ahsan Directs Climate-Resilience Audit, Early Preparations for Monsoon-2027
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 8th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Tuesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and relevant departments to initiate preparations for Monsoon 2027 immediately.
He emphasized that effective flood prevention measures necessitate eight to ten months of technical assessment, planning, approval, financing, and execution.
During a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee on Monsoon Preparedness 2026, the minister ordered:
- A comprehensive district-wise audit of areas affected by floods in 2022, 2025, and the current monsoon season.
- Assessment of outstanding rehabilitation needs and vulnerable infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by representatives from NDMA, PDMAs, WAPDA, federal and provincial departments, district administrations, and relevant institutions.
Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the coordination among federal, provincial, and district authorities, stating that a whole-of-government approach had helped mitigate the impact of seasonal abnormalities including heavy rainfall, urban flooding, heatwaves, and drought-like conditions.
He highlighted the necessity of:
- Proactive planning
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Clearly assigned institutional responsibility
to replace reactive measures.
The minister noted that many bridges, culverts, drains, and flood-disposal structures designed decades ago are no longer sufficient to cope with climate change-exacerbated challenges. Undersized bridges and culverts obstruct water discharge, while drainage systems designed for smaller flows now overflow, inundating settlements.
A district-wise audit, to be conducted by PDMAs, irrigation departments, communication and works departments, district administrations, and federal agencies, will identify:
- Obstructions and encroachments in floodplains
- Protective infrastructure
Technically viable and time-sensitive flood protection schemes identified through the audit should be processed through a Green Channel for expedited approval and funding.
Ahsan Iqbal directed provincial governments to assess post-flood recovery status and prepare roadmaps covering:
- Preventive interventions required before the next monsoon
- Rehabilitation of outstanding damage
to enable affected communities to return to normal life.
The initial audit will be completed within one month, followed by time-bound action plans for provinces and federal agencies with implementation monitored through quarterly reviews.
The committee also discussed plastic waste as a major contributor to urban flooding.
