Bilawal calls for action on climate change

PPP chairman mourns lives lost in rains across three provinces

KARACHI:

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has highlighted the changing climate conditions while regretting the tragic loss of lives resulting from several accidents amid heavy rains across various regions of the country, particularly in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to a statement issued on Sunday.

It added that Bilawal expressed his regret over the loss of lives caused by lightning bolts as well as other rain-related incidents in southern Punjab, especially in its Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Lodhran districts.

The statement issued by the PPP Media Cell at Bilawal House quoted him as asking the Punjab government to deploy all resources available at its disposal to assist the rain-hit victims in the province.
The PPP chairman also expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in rain-related accidents in various areas of K-P, including its lower and upper Chitral areas.

He urged the K-P government and disaster management agencies to provide immediate assistance to the rain-affected victims as well as to help the citizens facing various problems including landslides.
Bilawal further expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and property caused by lightning strikes and other rain-related mishaps in various parts of Balochistan, especially in Chaman, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu.

However, he was confident that the PPP government in Balochistan would assist the rain-hit victims in the province and ensure that they were not left on their own during this difficult time.

The statement read that Bilawal highlighted the increase in countrywide lightning strikes as indicative of climate change. He highlighted the crucial role of universities and research institutions in addressing this problem.

He stressed the need for the government’s unprecedented spirit and leadership to protect citizens from the negative effects of climate change.

The PPP chairman emphasised that confronting the threats posed by climate change demanded meaningful measures instead of shallow discussions or turning a blind eye to the issue.

A day earlier, lightning bolts claimed at least 25 lives in different areas of Punjab and Balochistan, with spring showers also lashing various districts of K-P, flooding their low-lying areas.