PM reaffirms commitment to combating desertification, highlights support for farmers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating land degradation, desertification and drought, stressing the need for collective efforts to safeguard the country’s natural resources and strengthen resilience against climate change.

In a message issued on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed this year under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize, Respect, Restore," the prime minister said Pakistan stood alongside the international community in renewing its commitment to addressing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable land management.

He noted that rangelands play a vital role in ensuring food security, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, managing water resources and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

The prime minister described Pakistan’s extensive rangelands as valuable natural assets that sustain livestock-based livelihoods, support the rural economy and contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, Shehbaz Sharif said rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity and land degradation posed serious threats to agricultural productivity and national food security.

“The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to addressing these challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, afforestation, ecosystem restoration initiatives, drought mitigation and the active participation of local communities,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted the federal government’s “Zarkhaiz Scheme”, launched to strengthen and modernise the agricultural sector and improve land productivity.

Under the initiative, farmers are being provided interest-free loans to help enhance and protect agricultural land, while subsidies on agricultural machinery are being offered to boost productivity and encourage sustainable farming practices.

Shehbaz Sharif said substantial resources had been allocated under the programme to benefit millions of small farmers across the country.

Calling for greater cooperation among stakeholders, the prime minister urged federal and provincial governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and local communities to intensify efforts for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of land resources.

He said that through afforestation, coordinated action and strong partnerships, Pakistan could strengthen its capacity to confront climate-related challenges and secure a more stable and prosperous future for coming generations.

The prime minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to preserving and restoring the country’s fertile lands, forests and natural rangelands, describing environmental protection as essential for sustainable development and long-term national prosperity.