ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the international community to take coordinated and immediate action to protect glaciers, warning that Pakistan’s rapidly melting ice reserves pose a serious threat to the region’s water security and climate resilience.
Pakistan’s Glaciers at Risk
Speaking at the *International Conference on Glaciers Preservation 2025* in Dushanbe, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of climate action to preserve fragile glacial ecosystems, particularly in countries like Pakistan.
“*Pakistan has 13,000 glaciers, and it receives half of its water from glaciers. Therefore, glacier protection is very important for Pakistan*,” he stated during his address.
Sharif noted that glacier melt, driven by global warming, is already having devastating impacts. He cited the *2022 floods*, which displaced millions and destroyed vital infrastructure and crops, as a stark example of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Global Emissions vs. Local Impact
Despite contributing *less than 0.5% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is among the **ten most climate-affected countries* in the world, the Prime Minister pointed out.
He praised Tajik President Emomali Rahmon for hosting the conference and for facilitating constructive dialogue on the shared challenges of glacier preservation and transboundary water management.
“*The world faces the challenge of climate change, and there is a need to do more on this issue*,” Sharif urged, calling for international cooperation, technology sharing, and financial assistance to mitigate the crisis.
Water Security & Geopolitical Concerns
The premier also addressed geopolitical issues, strongly criticizing *India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty*, a historic water-sharing agreement between the two nations.
“*Pakistan will not compromise on its share of water*,” he asserted, warning that the unilateral move by India could further destabilize regional water security and inflame tensions.
Regional & Global Relevance
The conference brought together leaders, climate experts, and environmental advocates to discuss the critical role glaciers play in water systems across Central and South Asia. For countries like Pakistan, which depend heavily on glacial runoff from the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram ranges, the stakes are especially high.
Sharif concluded by calling on the global community to prioritize climate justice, noting that developing nations bear the brunt of a crisis they did little to cause.
