10/10/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Islamabad, Pakistan – October 9, 2025
Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, PHRN, and Pak Welfare Organization Collaborate to Address “Floods Effects in Pakistan”
Islamabad, October 9, 2025 — The Shaheed Bhutto Foundation (SBF), in collaboration with the Pakistan Human Resource Network (PHRN) and the Pak Welfare Organization (PWO), hosted a national seminar titled “Floods Effects in Pakistan” at the SZABIST Campus, Islamabad.
The event gathered policymakers, climate experts, academics, journalists, and civil society representatives to discuss the ongoing flood crisis in Pakistan — emphasizing resilience, governance, environmental protection, and community responsibility.
The session was hosted and moderated by Ms. Mughiza Imtiaz, a noted social activist, who highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and citizen engagement in disaster preparedness. She shared insights on the situation in Sialkot, drawing attention to governance gaps, response mechanisms, and community-level challenges.
Ms. Imtiaz called for improved inter-departmental coordination and greater public participation in climate adaptation efforts.
> “Flood response is not only a matter of government capacity but also of civic responsibility. Every citizen has a role to play in building a safer and more resilient Pakistan,” said Ms. Mughiza Imtiaz during her opening remarks.
Mr. Asif Khan, CEO of the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, inaugurated the seminar by emphasizing the significance of collaboration between institutions, communities, and research bodies. He called for data-driven policy action, sustainable resource allocation, and inclusive planning to strengthen national disaster resilience.
Ms. Amaima Iftikhar, CEO of Upmark, discussed the role of the private sector in disaster response, underlining the value of corporate partnerships in reconstruction, livelihood recovery, and climate-conscious economic development.
Representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Ms. Savera Prakash shared the ground realities of flood-affected regions, highlighting operational gaps, rehabilitation challenges, and the urgent need for effective coordination between provincial and federal institutions to ensure timely relief delivery.
Dr. Anjum Rasheed, Head of Climate Change at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), presented an in-depth analysis of glacier melt, temperature rise, and ecosystem imbalance. She stressed the need for policy coherence, forestry restoration, watershed management, and inter-agency coordination, warning that Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change requires both immediate and long-term adaptation strategies.
Dr. Naeem Shahzad, Independent Consultant, offered an Independent Perspective on Disaster Management, proposing actionable recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination and enhance national disaster preparedness frameworks.
Dr. Rashid Aftab, Dean of Riphah University, delivered Academic Insights on Sustainable Flood Response, advocating for the inclusion of disaster management studies in higher education curricula to develop future leadership in climate resilience and public safety.
Dr. Naseer Gillani, Former Senior Civil Servant and Chair of Development Finance & Inclusion, presented a detailed analysis of Development Finance and Inclusion in Flood Rehabilitation. He called for inclusive financial models that prioritize vulnerable and marginalized communities to ensure equitable recovery.
Dr. Asad Ghufran, Ecologist and Biodiversity Expert, spoke about the Ecological and Biodiversity Impacts of Floods, emphasizing the long-term consequences of habitat loss and ecosystem degradation. He urged policymakers to integrate biodiversity conservation into national disaster and recovery planning.
From South Punjab, Dr. Sadia Kamal, journalist and researcher, discussed the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability during flood emergencies. She raised concerns over disparities in coverage and called for balanced reporting and stronger information networks to support timely relief coordination.
Mr. Abdul Shakoor, representing the Pak Welfare Organization (PWO), addressed climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies, stressing the need for community empowerment, scientific planning, and institutional continuity for sustainable disaster response.
Mr. Farhatullah Babar, President of the Human Rights Cell, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), delivered a powerful presentation on governance, policies, and legislative frameworks related to flood management. He emphasized the need to update the National Disaster Act, improve departmental accountability, and establish a consistent national governance model for disaster prevention and response.
Mr. Zamurd Khan, Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Sweet Homes, was recognized for his humanitarian leadership during recent flood crises. He shared his experiences leading flood relief operations across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on orphans, children, and vulnerable populations.
> “Rebuilding lives is not just about infrastructure; it’s about restoring hope — especially for those who have lost everything, including their homes and families,” said Mr. Zamurd Khan, highlighting the importance of compassion-driven leadership and collective empathy.
The seminar concluded with a souvenir distribution ceremony, honoring speakers and partner organizations for their dedication and service.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Mughiza Imtiaz reaffirmed the shared commitment of all partners — SBF, PHRN, and PWO — to promoting climate justice, good governance, and community resilience across Pakistan.
She concluded by emphasizing that addressing the flood crisis requires collective responsibility, strong policy implementation, and active citizen engagement at every level.
> “Resilience must begin from the ground up. Institutional reform and individual responsibility must go hand in hand if Pakistan is to withstand the growing climate threat,” she concluded.
Souvenirs were presented to the distinguished speakers and to all individuals and organizations who rendered exemplary services during the flood relief operations.
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About the Organizers
The Shaheed Bhutto Foundation (SBF), Pakistan Human Resource Network (PHRN), and Pak Welfare Organization (PWO) are jointly committed to advancing disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable community development in Pakistan. Together, they promote evidence-based policymaking, inclusive governance, and cross-sector collaboration for a safer, more sustainable future.
