In a significant step toward strengthening citizen access to timely climate information, including weather updates, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and Accountability Lab Pakistan have signed a Letter of Cooperation to collaborate on localized climate communication, weather data accessibility, and agri-tech innovation.
The partnership aims to support smallholder farmers and climate-vulnerable communities across Pakistan by integrating technical meteorological expertise with grassroots digital infrastructure and community networks of Accountability Lab. As part of this collaboration, the two institutions will co-develop localized weather advisories, facilitate the installation of automated weather stations, and build public awareness around the use of climate data for smarter agricultural and day-to-day decision-making.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Sahibzad Khan, Director General PMD, stated, “we believe that climate services must not only be accurate but also accessible. This collaboration with Accountability Lab allows us to extend the reach of PMD’s data and expertise directly to those most impacted by climate variability – our farmers and citizens on the frontlines of climate change.”
As weather extremes – from unexpected rainfall to prolonged heatwaves – become more common, the need for localized, understandable, and timely climate information has never been greater. Fayyaz Yaseen, Executive Director Accountability Lab Pakistan, noted. He further said, “our goal is to ensure that climate communication in Pakistan is not just top-down but rooted in the everyday realities of people. By linking PMD’s institutional strengths with our community-driven model, we aim to build an ecosystem where weather data informs action, improves livelihoods, and enhances resilience at the grassroots.”
This strategic, non-financial partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to support climate-smart farming practices, data-informed decision-making, and evidence-based public communication, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
The collaboration will initially focus on pilot activities in select districts with potential for national scale-up, based on learnings and demand. It aligns with broader efforts of both institutions to promote climate adaptation and sustainable development in Pakistan.