News Desk
- Sharif vows glacier conservation efforts
- Stresses country’s climate vulnerability
- Sharif is leading a high-level delegation to enhance bilateral ties and discuss pressing environmental issue
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to glacier conservation on Friday.
He made the remarks in Dushanbe, Tajikistan while addressing, “International Conference on Glaciers, Preservation-2025”.
Prime Minister Sharif apprised the participants about the impacts of climate change on the south Asian country.
He informed the participants that the south Asian country boasts the largest number of these massive ice formations outside the polar regions.
Prime Minister Sharif called for an enhanced global action to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, he emphasised that the developed countries must meet their climate related financial commitments without any delay. He noted that adequate funding for climate resilient infrastructure and overcoming financing gap remains critical.
He said investments must be made in the early warning systems and disaster preparedness and management.
Protect and preserve glaciers
The prime minister emphasised the need to protect and preserve glaciers to ensure the wellbeing of people and sustain the environment. He highlighted that Pakistan possesses one of the largest glaciated areas outside the Polar Region. He mentioned that glaciers contribute nearly half of the annual flow in the Indus Water River system, the lifeline of our civilisation, culture and economy.
He said the five great rivers that shape our geographical landscape: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej depend on the stability of glacial system, emphasizing that this makes Pakistan one of the most vulnerable countries to any climatic changes that impact glaciers.
He said Pakistan has witnessed first-hand the peril of glacial melt due to the climate change. Referring to 2022 devastating floods, he said that glacier melt in our region is expected to accelerate. He emphasised that no country has more at stake in ensuring the preservation of glaciers than Pakistan.
The prime minister said we must recognise that water transcends political boundaries, connecting communities and sustaining eco systems and cultures. Describing the weaponization of water an alarming new low, he said India’s unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty is deeply regrettable. He said millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains. He said Pakistan will not allow the red line to be crossed.
“Unwavering commitment”
The prime minister reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and glacier conservation.
Pakistan is among the countries that contribute the least to global warming but is among the countries most impacted by the affects of climate change.
Prime Minister Sharif on Thursday arrived in Tajikistan’s capital city for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing global environmental issues. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
