The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has called on Pakistan to speed up investment in climate resilience, early warning systems and disaster preparedness in the wake of devastating floods in Nepal.
The chamber expressed sympathy with the people of Nepal over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by flash floods. It said the disaster serves as a reminder for countries vulnerable to climate-related disasters to improve their preparedness and response mechanisms.
OICCI noted that Pakistan faces similar challenges, having suffered repeated floods in recent years that have led to displacement, damaged infrastructure and affected livelihoods.
Read Also: Karachi completes major road upgrade worth Rs233.5 million
“Pakistan cannot wait for disasters to happen before preparing for them,” the chamber said, stressing the need to identify potential risks in advance and take preventive action.
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate-related threats. The country experienced its second-warmest year in 65 years in 2025, following 2024, which was recorded as the warmest year in its history. Increasing temperatures, glacial melting and changing rainfall patterns are creating growing risks for communities, agriculture, infrastructure and the wider economy.
OICCI also referred to Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik, who said earlier this year that climate-related impacts cost Pakistan around 1 percent of its GDP each year.
The chamber said efforts to strengthen early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, urban flooding and heatwaves are important, but further improvements are needed.
It called for a more effective disaster management system capable of identifying vulnerable areas, forecasting possible threats and providing authorities and communities enough time to take action.
OICCI further urged increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, predictive technologies, emergency response systems and preparedness at the community level.
The chamber said improving climate resilience is essential to protecting lives, infrastructure and livelihoods as extreme weather events continue to become more frequent and severe.