Nausheen Iftikhar urges world to help Pakistan tackle climate change

Islamabad (ABN News): Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nausheen Iftikhar, while talking to ABN News’ program “Tajziya”, said that Punjab, especially Sialkot district, has been severely affected by the recent rains and floods.

She said, “Water has reached the urban population in our area, housing societies have been submerged, and Sialkot city has suffered a lot.”

She said that 405 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Sialkot, which is the highest in the last fifty years.

“The water flow at Head Marala has increased to a dangerous level, and this level has put us in deep concern,” she said.

Administration’s efforts and public attitude

Nausheen Iftikhar said that the local administration and rescue teams are active in the area on the instructions of the Chief Minister of Punjab, and efforts are underway to shift people to safer places.

However, according to her, people in rural areas are not ready to leave their homes and lands.

“When we repeatedly request evacuation, people insist on staying in their homes to protect their assets, even though it becomes a threat to their lives,” he said.

He added that “it is time for the government to make the people understand that their lives are more valuable than their property.

The local administration is trying to save people by risking their lives, but the people must prioritize their safety first.”

Climate change and government measures

Nosheen Iftikhar said that the real responsibility for climate change does not fall on Pakistan, as Pakistan’s share in global pollution is very small.

“Despite this, Pakistan is suffering the most. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has raised his voice at the global level, but now we also need help from the international community.”

She reminded that the 2010 floods had estimated a loss of $33 billion to Pakistan, and the current situation is no less dangerous.

Noshin Iftikhar said that at this time, the country needs to establish a national fund to mitigate the effects of a large-scale disaster.

“NDMA, PDMA, and other agencies are working, but a public awareness campaign is very important so that people are prepared for evacuation in advance.

If temporary shelters with proper facilities are provided, people will move there without hesitation.”

He said that floods are not just a natural disaster but a human tragedy, and the government, the public, and the international community must play a role together to mitigate the effects of which