ISLAMABAD: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) hosted a national seminar titled Floods, Climate Change & Resilience in Pakistan, spotlighting the urgent need for climate resilience in Pakistan. The event brought together experts from academia, government, and civil society to address the country’s growing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.
Strengthening Climate Resilience Through Research and Policy
Organized by the Department of Meteorology, the seminar featured technical sessions and policy dialogues. Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar, Incharge of the Islamabad Campus, opened the event by advocating for a Triple Helix Model. This integrated approach connects academic research with policy and industry to drive sustainable solutions for climate resilience.
Inclusive Strategies and Technological Innovation for Climate Adaptation
Mr. Bilal Anwar, CEO of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), warned against normalizing climate disasters. He emphasized nature-based and inclusive strategies, urging stakeholders to rethink conventional disaster management. In addition, Prof. Dr. Athar Hussain stressed the urgency of climate adaptation. Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Imran Shahzad highlighted the role of advanced technologies in building long-term resilience.
Forecasting and Flood Assessment to Support Climate Resilience
A technical session titled Extreme Weather Events and Forecasting Challenges featured Dr. Muhammad Latif, who presented an analysis of the 2025 South Asian Monsoon. Furthermore, Dr. Sheraz Ahsan demonstrated rapid flood assessment techniques using satellite data, showcasing the potential of geospatial tools in disaster response.
Bridging Policy and Practice for a Resilient Pakistan
The panel discussion Bridging Policy and Practice for Climate Resilience convened experts, including Dr. Bashir Ahmad (CEWRI, NARC-PARC), Dr. Hameed Jamali, and Dr. Shahzada Adnan. Panelists called for stronger inter-agency coordination, regulation of urban expansion, and effective implementation of climate frameworks.
COMSATS’ Commitment to Climate Resilience and Public Engagement
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming COMSATS University’s commitment to climate education, research, and disaster preparedness. Ultimately, the event marked a significant step toward fostering evidence-based dialogue and collaborative action for climate resilience in Pakistan.
