Glacial Melting Poses Threat to Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir: NDMA Chairman

Islamabad:Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider, has warned that the melting of glaciers poses a significant threat to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with potential impacts also expected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
During a media briefing alongside Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik, the NDMA chief revealed that recent rains across the country have resulted in 670 fatalities. He added that search operations are still underway for those missing in flash floods, with the situation expected to normalize by the end of September. Currently, 80 to 90 people remain unaccounted for.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister was held to assess the current flood situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit. Relief efforts and ongoing aid distribution were also reviewed.
He emphasized that climate change is causing widespread destruction, but relief operations are ongoing in affected areas. He assured that essential aid is being provided to flood victims and confirmed that NDMA is in close coordination with provincial disaster management authorities. The federal government is fulfilling its national responsibility, sharing early warning data, and assisting in the rehabilitation of affected regions.
On the occasion, Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik said that due to climate change, cloudburst events are becoming more frequent. He expressed solidarity with flood victims and stressed that efforts will be made to compensate them for their losses. He also highlighted the need for non-discriminatory collaboration with provinces to restore infrastructure.