- PM Shehbaz urges coordinated measures, sustainable tourism, and active community participation
- Calls on youth to become ambassadors for mountain and environmental conservation
- Rapid glacier melting, climate change, and environmental degradation threaten water and food security
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan is observing International Mountain Day in solidarity with the global community, highlighting the vital role of mountains in sustaining a balanced natural environment and ensuring water, food, and livelihoods for millions.
In a message issued on the occasion of International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11, the prime minister noted that this year’s theme, “The Critical Role of Mountain Glaciers in Water, Food and Livelihoods,” holds special significance for Pakistan, underscoring the immense opportunities and responsibilities linked to the country’s rich natural resources.
Highlighting Pakistan’s unique geographical importance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country is blessed with the confluence of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges—the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush. He pointed out that Pakistan is home to more than 7,000 glaciers, including some of the world’s largest and most remarkable, such as Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo, and Batura.
“These glaciers form the backbone of Pakistan’s water system,” the prime minister said, noting that they feed the Indus River Basin, support agricultural production, contribute to hydropower generation, and provide drinking water to millions of people, from the northern highlands to the coastal plains.
However, he warned that this invaluable natural treasure is facing serious threats due to rapid glacier melting, climate change, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and environmental degradation. He said these challenges are increasingly affecting water security, food production, biodiversity, and livelihoods linked to mountain ecosystems.
The prime minister urged the nation to reaffirm its collective resolve to protect these fragile ecosystems through coordinated measures, including climate resilience initiatives, responsible land use, sustainable tourism, and active participation of local communities. He also appreciated the role of national institutions, environmental agencies, and tourism organizations in raising awareness about mountain conservation.
Emphasizing the importance of mountain communities, he said that local populations, as custodians of a rich cultural and historical heritage, must remain at the heart of conservation efforts.
On the occasion of International Mountain Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the youth to become ambassadors of environmental protection. He stressed the need for joint action to ensure that Pakistan’s majestic mountains and breathtaking glaciers are preserved for future generations in their full natural glory.
