PM Shehbaz: “No Room for Man-Made Disasters”

Islamabad | August 22, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan cannot afford “man-made disasters,” linking environmental destruction directly to the recent wave of catastrophic floods and climate shocks.

Key Highlights from PM’s Remarks

• Illegal Constructions on Riverbeds:
  • The Prime Minister expressed strong concern over hotels, restaurants, and houses built illegally on riverbeds.
  • He questioned how long the government could continue compensating owners of such structures after floods.
  • A nationwide meeting has been called to address these practices on an “all-Pakistan basis.”
• Stricter Laws Needed:
  • PM Shehbaz urged tougher regulations on construction along rivers and hillsides.
  • He warned that ignoring these practices would worsen climate-related disasters.
• Collective Responsibility:
  • Climate change must be tackled jointly by all departments, he emphasized.
  • The Ministry of Climate Change has been tasked with a stronger role.

• Tree Plantation Drive:
  • Launched the 2025 monsoon campaign with a target of planting 41 million trees.
  • Directed strict monitoring to ensure the trees survive beyond ceremonial planting.
• Climate Justice at Global Stage:
  • Reiterated that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions but remains among the most vulnerable countries.
  • Called on developed nations to provide financial support for climate resilience.

Prime Minister Shehbaz’s stance reflects growing urgency in Islamabad to address deforestation, unregulated urbanization, and weak enforcement of environmental laws—factors that have amplified the impact of floods in recent years.

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