ISLAMABAD: Aisha Humera Moriani, Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to shift from reactive to proactive, risk-based drought management strategies. She highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of droughts driven by climate change during her keynote address at a national workshop on the National Drought Action Plan (NDAP) held at a local hotel.
Moriani pointed out that drought is no longer an occasional threat but a persistent challenge exacerbated by rising temperatures, water scarcity, and climate variability. She noted that Pakistan is already among the countries facing significant water risks, with drought impacting agriculture, water resources, food security, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Historically, responses have focused on post-impact relief rather than preparedness.
She stressed the importance of establishing a coordinated institutional and policy framework to convert data into actionable measures. Moriani acknowledged the contributions of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and other partners in creating the Pakistan Drought Management System (PakDMS), which offers real-time monitoring and early warning capabilities. However, she emphasized that data alone is insufficient without systems that ensure timely, evidence-based decision-making and implementation on the ground.
The climate change ministry secretary announced that, with support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and following extensive consultations, the ministry has developed the National Drought Action Plan. This plan is built around key pillars such as planning and resource mobilization, governance and policy, early warning systems, local mitigation actions, and capacity building.
The workshop brought together representatives from federal and provincial governments, development partners, and organizations including IWMI, PMD, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Its goal was to finalize an operational framework for the NDAP’s implementation. Discussions focused on identifying priority sectors, defining institutional roles and responsibilities, and outlining a roadmap for short-, medium-, and long-term actions.
Meanwhile, Moriani underscored the necessity of strong coordination among federal and provincial governments, technical agencies, and development partners. She described drought as a cross-sectoral challenge requiring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The ministry reiterated its commitment to facilitate collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), PMD, and provincial departments, urging participants to provide technical input for a practical and nationally owned plan.
The anticipated outcomes of the workshop included an operational framework document detailing institutional roles and coordination mechanisms, identification of priority sectors for drought risk reduction, and proposals to establish a National Drought Management Committee along with a Technical Advisory Committee. A comprehensive roadmap with timelines and reporting structures was also expected.
Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, the ministry’s media spokesperson and climate policy advocacy specialist, highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with recurring and intensifying drought risks caused by climate variability, water scarcity, heavy reliance on monsoon rainfall, and increasing stress on surface and groundwater resources. He noted that drought impacts multiple sectors such as agriculture, water supply, energy production, and livelihoods.
Shaikh pointed out that despite these challenges, responses have largely been reactive and sector-specific. The NDAP aims to provide a unified framework to transition towards proactive drought risk management by clearly defining strategic priorities, institutional roles, and coordinated actions before, during, and after drought events.
Discussing the NDAP’s key features, Shaikh explained that once implemented, the plan will offer operational drought monitoring and forecasting tools to support timely decision-making. However, he warned that without a national action plan, the effective use of such data remains limited. He concluded that well-coordinated and effective implementation of the NDAP will bridge existing gaps, strengthen preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts, and improve institutional coordination to reduce vulnerability and protect livelihoods.
