The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) headquarters in Islamabad was visited by Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain, where he was briefed on the organization’s ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing disaster risks and strengthening climate resilience across the country, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.

NDRMF Chief Executive Officer Amir Khan Goraia provided a detailed presentation on various projects focused on disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and capacity building for institutions responsible for disaster management.

Gilgit-Baltistan Faces Growing Climate Threats

Speaking during the visit, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain expressed appreciation for NDRMF’s efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He said the organization is playing an important role in raising awareness and supporting initiatives to reduce disaster risks in vulnerable regions.

According to the Chief Minister, Gilgit-Baltistan is considered one of the regions most severely affected by climate change.. Rising temperatures, he said, are accelerating glacier melt, increasing the likelihood of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and other natural disasters.

Need for Technical and Financial Assistance

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Amjad Hussain called on national institutions and development partners to provide greater technical and financial support to help the region respond effectively to climate-related challenges.

He stressed that timely dredging, restoration, and maintenance of rivers, streams, and waterways are essential to reducing flood risks. Annual floods, he noted, continue to cause significant damage to homes, agricultural land, highways, bridges, and other critical infrastructure across Gilgit-Baltistan.

Government to Prepare Pilot Climate Projects

The Chief Minister announced that the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan will soon establish a team of experts to develop priority pilot projects focused on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. These project proposals will be shared with NDRMF to seek technical guidance and financial assistance for their implementation.

Commitment to Stronger Collaboration

Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and NDRMF. He said closer coordination and joint efforts are essential to reducing disaster risks, protecting communities, and safeguarding the region’s infrastructure from the increasing impacts of climate change.