Alarming Glacial Retreat in Pakistan Threatens Water Future, Warns Minister
Glacial retreat in Pakistan has reached dangerous levels, endangering the Indus River Basin and national water security, warns Minister Ahsan Iqbal at climate summit.
Pakistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers—the largest concentration outside the polar regions. According to Professor Ahsan Iqbal, the rate of glacial retreat in Pakistan has accelerated significantly over the past six decades. This is directly endangering the nation’s water supply, ecosystems, and overall economic stability.
“The Indus River, which is fed primarily by glacial meltwater, supports 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural production. If these glaciers continue melting at the current pace, we are staring at a potential collapse of our food and water systems,” said Iqbal.
This disturbing trend is exacerbated by global warming and inconsistent monsoon patterns, further intensifying glacier melt, flash floods, and water scarcity across Pakistan’s mountainous and agrarian regions.
Why the Indus River Matters
The Indus River Basin is the lifeline of Pakistan, accounting for:
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90% of its food production
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Hydropower generation capacity
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Drinking and irrigation needs for over 220 million people
As the glaciers recede, water availability becomes erratic—too much at once in the form of floods, and too little during dry seasons. This poses a direct threat to national food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods.
“This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a developmental crisis,” warned the minister.
2022 Floods: A Wake-Up Call
Minister Iqbal recalled the catastrophic floods of 2022, which submerged one-third of the country and displaced over 33 million people. These floods were a devastating example of how climate change and glacial retreat can combine to wreak havoc on national infrastructure, health systems, and the economy.
Irreparable losses were recorded:
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$30+ billion in economic damages
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Over 1,700 lives lost
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Millions of acres of crops destroyed
“The 2022 floods were not just a natural disaster; they were a direct result of human-induced climate change,” Iqbal stated.
Climate Injustice: Pakistan’s Plea to the Global North
Highlighting the issue of climate injustice, the minister emphasized that countries like Pakistan, which have contributed less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, are paying the highest price.
“The annual $100 billion commitment for climate-affected countries is not charity. It’s a matter of climate justice,” he stressed.
Minister Iqbal demanded that the Global North step up its role in:
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Providing climate finance
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Delivering technical and institutional support
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Fulfilling climate commitments under the Paris Agreement
He further added, “The world has long told the Global South to ‘do more.’ Now it’s time the Global North does more.”
Government Initiatives Under 5Es Framework
In response to this existential threat, the Government of Pakistan has integrated climate resilience into its 5Es framework, which focuses on:
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Export Growth
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Environmental Sustainability
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Energy Security
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Equity and Empowerment
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E-Pakistan (Digital Transformation)
The Environmental Sustainability pillar includes:
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Expansion of climate-resilient infrastructure
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Implementation of glacier monitoring systems
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Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices
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Engagement in international climate diplomacy
This framework seeks to align Pakistan’s long-term development with global climate goals and national water security.
Conclusion: Time for Global Accountability
The glacial retreat in Pakistan has become a national emergency with far-reaching consequences for water, energy, agriculture, and human survival. Professor Ahsan Iqbal’s address was not just a policy statement—it was a call to action.
As Pakistan stands on the climate frontline, the international community must acknowledge its role and fulfill its responsibilities—especially those in the Global North. Climate justice, after all, is not optional. It’s a moral obligation.
Pakistan is taking concrete steps—but without global cooperation, these steps may not be enough.
