Minister reviews flood-hit Mingora, joins tree drive
Dr. Shazra Mansab visits Swat to assure rehabilitation support and participates in the nationwide “Aik Beti, Aik Shajar” plantation campaign.
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Shazra Mansab Ali Khan, visited Mingora in Swat on Thursday to assess the situation of families affected by recent floods, reaffirming the government’s pledge to strengthen disaster recovery and climate resilience.
During her visit, Dr. Mansab met with flood-affected residents and expressed solidarity with those who had lost homes and livelihoods. She assured communities that the federal government, in coordination with provincial and local authorities, would provide assistance to ensure rehabilitation and long-term resilience against future climate shocks. She stressed that protecting vulnerable populations from the mounting impacts of climate change remains a top priority for the government’s climate policy.
Pakistan has faced increasing climate-related disasters in recent years, most notably the 2022 super floods that displaced millions and caused billions of dollars in damages. The recurrence of severe monsoon flooding in districts such as Swat continues to underscore the urgent need for comprehensive adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies. Officials say the government’s ongoing initiatives include both short-term relief and long-term mitigation measures, including resilient infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
Govt reviews monsoon preparedness amid rising flood risks
The minister’s trip also coincided with her participation in the nationwide Monsoon Plantation Drive, held under the banner of “Aik Beti, Aik Shajar” (One Daughter, One Tree). The campaign, launched by the prime minister earlier this week, aims to plant 41 million trees across Pakistan. Dr. Mansab said the initiative reflects a broader strategy to not only restore degraded ecosystems but also encourage community-led environmental stewardship.
Speaking during the drive, she highlighted that tree plantation is one of the most effective low-cost solutions for combating climate change impacts, including soil erosion, flash floods, and rising urban temperatures. She added that integrating such initiatives with local communities can enhance awareness and ownership of environmental protection.
Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Humaira Moriani, was also present at the Mingora events, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to field-level oversight of both climate disaster response and ongoing greening campaigns.
The “Aik Beti, Aik Shajar” programme builds on earlier large-scale initiatives such as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project, which has been internationally recognized by organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme. The new campaign links environmental conservation with social empowerment, symbolizing the role of young women in shaping a sustainable future.
Environmental experts note that Pakistan remains among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Floods, glacial melt, and shifting rainfall patterns continue to strain the country’s infrastructure and agriculture-based economy. The government’s focus on reforestation, alongside adaptation policies, is therefore seen as crucial to mitigating climate risks.
Dr. Mansab concluded her Mingora visit by reiterating that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a developmental and humanitarian challenge. She emphasized that the federal government will continue working with provinces, civil society, and international partners to expand resilience-building programmes, improve early warning systems, and provide timely relief to disaster-hit communities.
The plantation campaign will continue nationwide throughout the monsoon season, with schools, colleges, civil society groups, and local administrations mobilized to contribute to the target of 41 million trees. Officials hope that by combining rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected areas with mass plantation initiatives, Pakistan can simultaneously address immediate recovery needs and strengthen long-term climate resilience.
