ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Sunday stressed the urgent need for climate-resilient development and coordinated action to address the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations in Pakistan.
Speaking as chief guest at the conference “Climate Change and the Built Environment: Promoting Resilience and Adaptation in Low-Income Settings” organised by the Institute of Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University (AKU), Dr Malik said Pakistan must act swiftly to strengthen preparedness, adaptation, and environmental stewardship across all sectors.
He informed participants that the government has formulated a 300-day national preparedness plan, under the instructions of the Prime Minister, to prepare for the 2026 monsoon season. The coming months, he said, would be critical for rehabilitating infrastructure damaged by this year’s floods and implementing measures to mitigate future disasters.
Dr Malik outlined that Phase II of the plan will focus on long-term adaptation and the expansion of ongoing climate resilience initiatives, anchored in a three-part framework: “Fix, Grow and Build.” He emphasised active provincial participation, warning that climate resilience cannot be achieved without close coordination between federal and provincial governments, local institutions, and community-led organisations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, Dr Malik noted that the country contributes less than 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains among the world’s most climate-affected nations. By contrast, just ten countries account for more than 70 per cent of global emissions. He urged the international community to acknowledge its responsibilities and work toward climate justice, enhanced financing, and collective global action.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to climate-resilient development, the minister called on global partners, development organisations, and local stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding vulnerable communities and building a sustainable future.
