Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events underscored the urgent need for greater preparedness, resilience and closer coordination among national, regional and international stakeholders to effectively respond to disasters. Talking to United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher who called on him at the Prime Minister House, he appreciated the invaluable humanitarian work being undertaken by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in responding to complex emergencies across the world. 

He acknowledged OCHA's continued support to Pakistan, particularly during the devastating floods of 2022, and thanked the organization for its assistance in strengthening the country's disaster response efforts.  The prime minister noted that Pakistan's national and provincial disaster management institutions had significantly enhanced their capacity to respond to climate-induced disasters over the years. Tom Fletcher thanked the prime minister for receiving him and appreciated the longstanding partnership and close cooperation between Pakistan and OCHA.

He also commended the Prime Minister's efforts to promote regional peace and stability, noting that sustainable peace was essential to addressing the humanitarian and economic consequences of conflicts. During the meeting, Mr. Fletcher briefed the prime minister on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the challenges being faced by OCHA in delivering urgently needed assistance to the affected population.

He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support to OCHA's humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.  The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with the United Nations and OCHA to strengthen global humanitarian cooperation, enhance disaster preparedness, and support relief efforts for vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)