Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with the United Nations and Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen global humanitarian cooperation, enhance disaster preparedness, and support relief efforts for vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

He was talking to United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher who called on him in Islamabad today.

The Prime Minister appreciated the invaluable humanitarian work being undertaken by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in responding to complex emergencies across the world.

He acknowledged UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' continued support to Pakistan, particularly during the devastating floods of 2022.

He thanked the organization for its assistance in strengthening the country's disaster response efforts.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan's national and provincial disaster management institutions have significantly enhanced their capacity to respond to climate-induced disasters over the years.

However, he emphasized that the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events underscored the need for greater preparedness, resilience and closer coordination among all stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels.

In his remarks, Tom Fletcher thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him and appreciated the longstanding partnership and close cooperation between Pakistan and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

He also commended the Prime Minister's efforts to promote regional peace and stability, noting that sustainable peace was essential to addressing the humanitarian and economic consequences of conflicts.

During the meeting, Tom Fletcher briefed the Prime Minister on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the challenges being faced by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in delivering urgently needed assistance to the affected population.

He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support to OCHA's humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.