Atta Hussain

Pakistan Meteorological Department

Pakistan Meteorological Department is a govt department tasked with providing forecasts, public warnings, and general information related to Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences. Apart from meteorology, it is also involved in monitoring and investigating weather phenomena, astronomical events, hydrology, and research in astrophysics, climate changes, and studies on aeronautical engineering, renewable energy resources across various parts of the country. It is headquartered in Islamabad and has offices and research facilities in all over the country. Dr Ghulam Rasul is the current Director-General of PMD. In 1950s, PMD became one of the leading scientific institution leading the research in space and atmospheric sciences, and worked in close coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Environment for the accurate weather information for aviation and hydrography. Later PMD split with services to the Pakistan Navy being provided by its own forecasting department. Nation's most notable scientists and scholars have been affiliated with the PMD since its established. The PMD also assisted the government in establishing the nation's space agency, SUPARCO in 1961 when many of its atmospheric scientists and technical staff joined SUPARCO. The PMD has also been assisting and leading the geomagnetic studies / Geomagnetic monitoring programme. Due to its resourcefulness and capable scientific staff, the PMD has become a reliable government agency for providing accurate data and forecast in the country. Since 1974, PMD has introduced a seismic detection system to scientific data acquire on the nuclear explosion and natural earthquake activities. Furthermore, its modern flood forecasting system has assisted the other government agencies and related organizations to improve radar, satellite, computer technology, flight safety, consultancy services in seismic design of dams, buildings and other development and disaster relief schemes.