ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik to ensure advance preparations for the upcoming monsoon season across the country.

The prime minister also instructed authorities to further strengthen the early warning system and ensure continuous monitoring of high-risk areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

The minister, who called on the prime minister, briefed him on the government’s preparedness for the forthcoming monsoon season. During the meeting, he also apprised the premier of the progress and performance of early warning systems installed in mountainous regions to monitor glacial lake outburst floods (Glof) and flash floods.

Presiding over a separate meeting on ongoing projects under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and proposed initiatives for the next fiscal year, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering youth through education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Premier heading to China on May 23

He directed the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Information Technology to present a comprehensive strategy for aligning IT and technical education in universities with international standards and market requirements.

The prime minister also directed that various easy loan schemes for young entrepreneurs be brought under a unified framework to facilitate easier access to financing. He also instructed authorities to provide electric bikes to youth belonging to low and middle-income families.

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz received an update from Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on arrangements for the ongoing Haj 2026 operation.

The premier directed authorities to provide all possible facilities to intending pilgrims at airports.

China visit

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would undertake a three-day official visit to China, starting May 23.

DPM Dar made the announcement while addressing the launch ceremony of the IBI Pakistan Digi­tal Economy Centre in Islamabad.

He said that the premier would undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26. Dar added that premier was also set to attend a B2B forum on May 24 during the visit.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026