- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Aug 19 (APP):The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) here Tuesday convened a high-level think tank session to address the worsening climate crisis in Pakistan and emphasized for long-term environmental planning.
The session focused on the lessons Pakistan can learn from China’s successful strategies in climate resilience and ecological restoration.
PCJCCI Acting President Zafar Iqbal highlighted China’s remarkable progress in combating climate change and environmental degradation. China has transformed degraded lands into green ecosystems and adopted advanced technologies to mitigate climate risks. Pakistan must follow this path. The Chinese model of greening deserts and grasslands offers us a clear roadmap to rehabilitate our vulnerable regions. He further added that cooperation between Pakistan and China should extend beyond trade and infrastructure, to include joint action against the existential threat posed by climate change. He also expressed concern over the ongoing flood situation in various parts of Pakistan caused by erratic monsoon patterns and glacial melt. The Chamber called for enhanced early warning systems, improved infrastructure, and international collaboration to build climate resilience.
Senior Vice President Brig. (R) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh emphasized the unique vulnerability of Pakistan. “Our country holds over 5,000 glaciers and 100 freshwater lakes forming the world’s largest natural freshwater reserve. But these vital resources are now at risk due to rising temperatures and glacial melt. Referring to recent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), including the devastating cloudburst in Gilgit and Swat. We can no longer afford short-term policies. The environment demands a vision spanning at least 30 to 50 years. Only a proactive, rather than reactive, approach can safeguard our communities.”
He stressed the importance of valuing natural assets and adopting foresight-driven strategies to avoid human and economic loss.
Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI, addressed the long-term degradation of Pakistan’s forests, stating that over the past 60 to 70 years, Pakistan’s forest cover has shrunk drastically. While initiatives like the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami are commendable, their success hinges on consistent policy and strategic guidance which we can gain by learning from China’s reforestation experience. He added, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of the youth of Pakistan who planted around 6,500 trees all over Punjab which signifies the 65 percent young people of Pakistan.
The PCJCCI urged the government, policymakers, civil society, and international partners to treat climate action as a national emergency and move toward long-term, science-backed policies inspired by global success stories like China.