Pakistan plans to strengthen its weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and climate resilience capabilities through a series of projects and policy initiatives under the Annual Plan 2026-27.
The plan has allocated Rs. 1.6 billion to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to improve forecasting systems and disaster risk management. This includes Rs. 344 million for the proposed National Center for Rainfall Enhancement to support water security, climate adaptation and agricultural productivity.
Additionally, Rs. 195 million and Rs. 5 million have been allocated for weather surveillance radar projects in Multan and Sukkur, respectively, to improve real-time weather monitoring and early warning capabilities. Another Rs. 1 billion is earmarked for the modernization of Hydromet Services in Pakistan project to upgrade hydro meteorological infrastructure, improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen climate-related data systems.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is projected to receive Rs. 2.5 billion, with the bulk of the allocation focused on forestry, biodiversity conservation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
Key initiatives include the Pakistan Climate Innovation and Green Growth Initiative to equip youth with green skills and support entrepreneurship through a Green Innovation Fund. A National Forest and Tree Cover Assessment using remote sensing and machine learning technologies is also planned to improve forest monitoring and restoration planning.
Additionally, the government plans to advance climate-smart agriculture, efficient water management, disaster risk reduction, green industrialization, circular economy initiatives and domestic carbon market mechanisms to support sustainable economic growth.
The focus on resilience reflects Pakistan’s increasing exposure to climate-related disasters. The Annual Plan notes that major floods in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2022 and 2025 caused extensive human and economic losses, damaging infrastructure and livelihoods across the country.
Citing the World Bank’s 2022 report, the plan says Pakistan suffers average annual losses of around $2 billion from floods and earthquakes. These losses could reach $250 billion by 2030 and $1.2 trillion by 2050, with damage in priority sectors reaching up to 30% of GDP in a peak disaster year, highlighting the urgency of strengthening climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.