Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for expanding Pakistan’s partnership with China in disaster preparedness and management, emphasizing the value of advanced technology and scientific expertise in addressing natural calamities. During his visit to the National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation at Tianjin University, he praised China’s success in developing modern systems and expressed confidence that Pakistan can significantly enhance its resilience by adopting similar practices. According to the PM Office, Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan is keen to benefit from China’s experience to take preventive measures, design robust strategies, and integrate cutting-edge technology to manage risks posed by earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies.
The premier stressed the need for Pakistan to activate and strengthen collaborative projects such as the International Medical Centre and the China-Pakistan Joint Lab for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. These initiatives, he noted, should play a more active role in preparing for emergencies and developing technological responses. He underlined that expanding cooperation with China would not only improve Pakistan’s disaster management capacity but also strengthen long-term bilateral ties in the field of science and technology. The Belt and Road Initiative has already facilitated projects such as the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital and other joint facilities, which are seen as crucial for emergency response and medical preparedness.
Shehbaz also linked these efforts with the ongoing national relief operations in flood-affected areas across Punjab. He informed that federal convoys carrying additional relief supplies have been dispatched to Narowal, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Chiniot, and Jhang. These supplies are being handed over to PDMA Punjab for distribution to affected families. At the same time, the Prime Minister instructed NDMA to maintain close coordination with provincial authorities and provide all necessary support to strengthen rescue and relief activities. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue aid and rehabilitation efforts until stability is restored in flood-hit communities.
During his visit, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on disaster management technologies, including earthquake simulation models and newly developed medical rescue vehicles. He was also updated on ongoing bilateral projects focusing on emergency medicine and precautionary innovations aimed at minimizing risks from natural disasters. Officials explained that several joint initiatives between China and Pakistan are already operational, while additional projects are in progress to build capacity in both prevention and response. Shehbaz acknowledged the importance of these collaborations and emphasized that such knowledge transfer and technological cooperation will be central to Pakistan’s efforts in confronting the increasing frequency of natural calamities.
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