Punjab to Build Region’s Biggest Climate Observatory

Approval has been granted for the establishment of the region’s largest climate observatory and a state-of-the-art scientific center in Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has formally approved the creation of what will be the most advanced and expansive climate observatory in the region. Alongside the observatory, a modern scientific center will be developed to enable timely access to climate-related data and to provide scientific support for policymaking.

A high-level meeting, chaired by Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, reviewed and approved the feasibility plan for the observatory, including its budget, equipment, and land allocation. The session also assessed a report presented by the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore.

Officials were briefed that the Climate Observatory will be established at the Punjab Planning and Development House, with its central infrastructure to be constructed within the EICT (Engineering and Information Communication Technology) facility. The observatory will be equipped with an advanced automated communication and linkage system, a GIS lab, a sectoral interface system, and a modern data hub. Additionally, climate data will be analyzed using MRI systems.

To build expertise in environmental science, an internship program will be launched to train professionals across various fields. It was decided during the meeting that the institution will operate under a modern management model and employ high-quality professional staff. Minister Aurangzeb also instructed the development of a smart organizational structure.

Approval was also given for the creation of a data archive system, a coordination unit, and an international communication cell. According to the briefing, the climate observatory will enhance the ability to forecast and analyze climate risks and support evidence-based policy decisions.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a comprehensive and integrated plan to address climate change. She described the establishment of the observatory as a transformative initiative in environmental protection, one that will promote scientific research and facilitate international knowledge exchange.