ISLAMABAD: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has called on Pakistan to accelerate investment in climate resilience, early-warning systems and disaster preparedness following the devastating floods in Nepal.
The chamber expressed condolences to the people of Nepal over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by flash floods, saying the disaster underscores the urgent need for countries vulnerable to climate-related hazards to strengthen preparedness and preventive action.
OICCI noted that Pakistan faces similar climate risks, having experienced repeated floods in recent years that have caused deaths, displacement, infrastructure damage and significant losses to livelihoods.
“Pakistan cannot wait for disasters to happen before preparing for them,” the chamber said, stressing the importance of anticipating risks and taking preventive measures before extreme events occur.
Pakistan remains highly exposed to climate-related threats. The country recorded its second-warmest year in 65 years in 2025, while 2024 was recorded as the warmest year in the country’s history. Rising temperatures, accelerating glacial melt and changing rainfall patterns are increasing risks to communities, agriculture, infrastructure and economic activity.
OICCI also referred to remarks by Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik, who said earlier this year that climate-related impacts cost Pakistan around one percent of GDP annually.
The chamber emphasized that ongoing efforts to strengthen early-warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, urban flooding and heatwaves are important but require further investment and institutional strengthening.
It called for a smarter and more proactive disaster management approach capable of identifying high-risk areas, predicting emerging threats and providing authorities and communities with sufficient time to respond.
OICCI further urged greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, predictive technologies, emergency response capabilities and community-level preparedness.
The chamber said strengthening climate resilience would not only help save lives during extreme weather events but also protect infrastructure, livelihoods and economic stability as climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe.
The call comes amid growing concern over Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and highlights the need to shift from reactive disaster response towards anticipatory action, risk reduction and long-term climate resilience.
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