ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a series of initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s weather forecasting, early warning and disaster preparedness systems by allocating Rs1.6 billion to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) under the Annual Plan 2026-27.
The investment is aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to predict extreme weather events, improve climate monitoring and reduce the impact of natural disasters, which have caused significant human and economic losses in recent years.
Rs1.6 Billion Allocated to Strengthen Forecasting Capacity
According to the Annual Plan 2026-27, the Pakistan Meteorological Department will use the allocated funds to modernise forecasting systems, improve hydrometeorological services and enhance disaster risk management.
Among the key projects, Rs344 million has been earmarked for the proposed National Centre for Rainfall Enhancement, which is expected to support water security, climate adaptation and agricultural productivity through improved rainfall research and monitoring.
In addition, the government has allocated Rs195 million for a weather surveillance radar project in Multan, while Rs5 million has been set aside for a similar project in Sukkur. These radar systems are intended to strengthen real-time weather monitoring and provide more accurate early warnings for severe weather events.
Hydrometeorological Services to Be Modernised
A further Rs1 billion has been allocated for the Modernisation of Hydromet Services in Pakistan project.
The initiative aims to upgrade the country’s hydrometeorological infrastructure, improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and strengthen climate-related data collection and analysis. Modern forecasting technology is expected to help authorities respond more effectively to floods, storms, heatwaves and other climate-related emergencies.
Climate Ministry to Receive Rs2.5 Billion
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is expected to receive Rs2.5 billion under the Annual Plan.
A significant portion of this funding will be used for forestry development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation programmes and ecosystem restoration projects designed to improve Pakistan’s environmental sustainability.
Among the major initiatives is the Pakistan Climate Innovation and Green Growth Initiative, which aims to equip young people with green skills, promote climate-focused entrepreneurship and support innovative environmental projects through a Green Innovation Fund.
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The government also plans to conduct a National Forest and Tree Cover Assessment using remote sensing and machine learning technologies to improve forest monitoring and guide future restoration efforts.
Focus on Climate-Resilient Development
Beyond improving weather forecasting, the government intends to promote climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, disaster risk reduction, green industrial development, circular economy initiatives and the establishment of domestic carbon market mechanisms.
These measures are intended to strengthen Pakistan’s resilience to climate change while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Pakistan Faces Rising Climate Risks
The increased investment reflects Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. The Annual Plan notes that major floods in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2022 and 2025 caused widespread destruction, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of communities and extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods.
Citing the World Bank’s 2022 report, the plan states that Pakistan suffers average annual economic losses of around $2 billion due to floods and earthquakes.
The report further warns that, if climate risks continue to intensify, cumulative losses could reach $250 billion by 2030 and $1.2 trillion by 2050. In particularly severe disaster years, damage to priority sectors could amount to as much as 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underlining the urgent need for stronger climate adaptation measures and more effective disaster preparedness.
