Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a powerful address at the International Conference on Glacier Protection in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on Thursday. He spoke about the severe threats Pakistan faces due to climate change and asked developed countries to step up and take responsibility for the ongoing environmental crisis.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan is home to over 13,000 glaciers. This makes it one of the most glaciated countries outside the polar zones. He explained that these glaciers are crucial for the country’s survival. They supply nearly half of Pakistan’s total freshwater resources.
“Pakistan is one of many countries suffering the harsh effects of climate change,” Shehbaz Sharif said. He warned that the glaciers are melting at a dangerous pace. He blamed the rising global temperatures for this rapid loss.
Recalling the tragic floods of 2022, the Prime Minister said that changing weather patterns and heavy monsoon rains, driven by climate change, led to massive devastation. Millions of people were displaced. Towns and villages were destroyed. Lives and livelihoods were shattered.
Despite contributing less than 0.5% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the ten most affected countries. Shehbaz Sharif pointed out this unfair burden and urged for global support. He said the warming climate is also harming ecosystems, killing biodiversity, and endangering the survival of communities.
He stressed the need for international cooperation to slow down climate change. He called for larger investments in early warning systems, especially in developing nations like Pakistan. He also appealed for stronger efforts from wealthier countries in climate adaptation and environmental protection.
The Prime Minister took a firm stand against India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. “Pakistan will never give up its rightful share of water,” he declared.
He ended his speech by congratulating the President of Tajikistan. He praised him for organizing such an important and timely event to protect glaciers and confront shared environmental challenges.
In his remarks, Shehbaz Sharif made it clear: climate change is a global problem. But for vulnerable countries like Pakistan, it is a daily threat to survival. He urged the world to act now—not later—to prevent even greater disasters.
