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Ghazi University, PMD and World Bank strengthen Hi…

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Dera Ghazi Khan: PMD, World Bank and Ghazi University Join Hands to Strengthen Hill Torrent Monitoring and Disaster Preparedness in Dera Ghazi Khan by establishment of State-of-the-Art Automatic Weather Station.

A Major Milestone Towards Strengthening Weather Forecasting, Hill Torrent Monitoring and Community Resilience in Dera Ghazi Khan

Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, has taken a significant step towards strengthening weather monitoring, disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region through the establishment of a state-of-the-art Automatic Weather Station (AWS) under the World Bank-supported Modernization of Hydromet Services of PMD in Pakistan Project (MHSP).

The initiative, being implemented by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) with support from the World Bank, aims to modernize Pakistan’s hydrometeorological observation network, enhance forecasting capabilities and improve climate service delivery. The project is expected to play a vital role in strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness, particularly in areas vulnerable to extreme weather events and climate-related hazards.

The proposed Automatic Weather Station at Ghazi University will provide real-time, high-resolution meteorological data, significantly contributing to weather forecasting and the monitoring of weather conditions associated with hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan. Given the region’s vulnerability to flash floods and hill torrents, the installation represents an important step towards improving early warning capabilities and protecting communities, livelihoods and infrastructure.

Under Phase-I of the MHSP, a total of 110 Automatic Weather Stations are being installed across Pakistan, including 25 stations in Punjab. These stations will expand the country’s real-time weather observation network and provide reliable meteorological data to support forecasting, research, disaster risk reduction and climate-resilience planning.

A project team recently visited Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, where it held a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. During the visit, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site, finalized the location for installation of the Automatic Weather Station, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formally designating Ghazi University as an AWS installation site.

The visiting delegation comprised Mr. Hassan Shafiq, Environment & Social Safeguards Consultant, World Bank; Dr. M. Yasir, Hydrology Consultant; Mr. Abdul Aziz, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre Lahore, Pakistan Meteorological Department; and Mr. Sajid Hussain, Meteorologist, PMD. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Sagheer Atta, Director ORIC, Ghazi University.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad expressed the university’s strong commitment to supporting the initiative and emphasized the importance of establishing an Automatic Weather Station at Ghazi University. He stated that the facility would not only strengthen real-time weather monitoring and forecasting in Dera Ghazi Khan but would also significantly enhance the monitoring and early warning of hill torrents, helping improve disaster preparedness and protect local communities from potential hazards. He described this contribution as an important form of community service, particularly for vulnerable populations in the hill-torrent-prone areas of the region. The station will also create valuable opportunities for research, academic collaboration, student training and practical learning in meteorology, hydrology, climate science and related disciplines.

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