DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Pakistan Meteorological Department, World Bank and the Ghazi University have joined hands to strengthen hill torrents monitoring and disaster preparedness in DGK by establishment a state-of-the-art Automatic Weather Station.
Under phase-I of the MHSP, a total of 110 automatic weather stations are being installed across Pakistan, including 25 in Punjab, says a press release.
“In a major milestone towards strengthening weather forecasting, hill torrent monitoring and community resilience in Dera Ghazi Khan Ghazi University 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 modernise 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, the release said.
A project team recently visited the Ghazi University 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, finalised 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; Abdul Aziz, director, regional meteorological centre Lahore, Pakistan Meteorological Department; and Mr Sajid Hussain, meteorologist of PMD.
Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026
