ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Tuesday emphasized that climate change was no longer a looming threat but a “terrifying reality” that has already begun to severely impact vulnerable nations like Pakistan.
Speaking at an event titled “From Planning to PRACTICE: Advancing Climate Resilience in Pakistan,” Iqbal detailed the increasing toll of global warming on the country’s environment, economy, and future prospects.
“Climate change has become a serious threat to the future of humanity,” Iqbal said. He added, “It is no longer a distant hypothesis. We are living in its consequences.” Iqbal pointed to the ongoing climate events as proof that the impacts are already here, with developing nations, particularly those in the Global South, bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Iqbal stressed that while the global community had long demanded that countries in the Global South “do more” on climate action, it was now time for the developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate finance. “We demand: ‘Do More’ from the global powers for environmental justice,” he stated.
He noted that this was not a call for charity but a critical requirement for global equity, particularly as the most affected countries continue to suffer due to the actions of wealthier nations.
The Minister highlighted the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which submerged a third of the country, displaced millions, and caused billions of dollars in damage. He called the floods a clear example of the dangers of unchecked climate change. “These floods were not a fluke. They were a symptom of a planet in crisis,” he said. He warned that climate change was fueling erratic weather patterns, widespread flooding, and escalating food insecurity across the region, adding to the region’s already vulnerable position.
Pakistan, home to over 7,000 glaciers, is experiencing the fastest rate of glacier melt in over 60 years, according to Iqbal. He explained that the rapid melting of glaciers poses a direct threat to the Indus River system, which provides water for 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural production. “The very foundation of our food security is under threat,” he said, calling it a serious concern for the future of the country.
Iqbal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principle of climate justice, stressing that the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge by developed nations to support affected countries is not a gesture of charity but an essential step toward achieving global equity. “This is not a favor. It is a requirement of environmental justice,” he asserted.
Pakistan’s federal government has integrated climate action into its long-term strategy, with Iqbal stating that it is now a cornerstone of national policy. He said climate action would be included in the national 5Es policy (Economy, Education, Energy, Environment, and Equity), reinforcing the government’s commitment to address climate challenges and promote sustainability across all sectors.
Iqbal concluded by urging a shift in how nations view climate action, emphasizing that global cooperation and fulfillment of financial and legal obligations are key to combating the effects of climate change. The event marked an important step in raising awareness about the urgency of climate resilience in Pakistan, which faces growing challenges related to climate-induced disasters and environmental degradation.
