Ahsan Iqbal calls for space technology in disaster preparedness
Islamabad, Oct 27: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday called for greater use of space technology to improve disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.
Addressing the inaugural session of an international conference organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), he said satellite data and early warning systems could help reduce loss of life and economic damage caused by floods, cyclones and other natural disasters.
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Referring to the floods of 2022 and 2025, he said Pakistan had suffered economic losses exceeding $30 billion. The minister said Pakistan had launched five satellites over the past 18 months, reflecting its growing capabilities in space technology. He also announced that the country was preparing to send its first astronaut into space.
He stressed that satellite data and risk assessments should be incorporated into development planning, particularly for critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads and hospitals, to identify potential hazards and reduce vulnerabilities.Ahsan Iqbal called for better coordination among government institutions, secure information-sharing mechanisms and investment in human resources to expand the practical use of space technology.
He also emphasised the need to provide more opportunities for young people, particularly women, in space science and geospatial technologies.Urging greater regional cooperation, he called for information-sharing on shared rivers, mountain systems and disaster risks. Timely access to reliable data, he said, could improve early warnings, disaster preparedness and emergency response.
