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ISLAMABAD, Nov 06 (APP):Minister of State for Climate Change Dr Shazra Mansab Ali Khan on Thursday called for stronger national planning and regional cooperation to confront Pakistan’s growing water and climate challenges, warning that inaction could deepen existing environmental and economic vulnerabilities.
Pakistan is among the countries most at risk from climate change despite contributing less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, said the state minister while addressing the closing session of Pakistan Water Week 2025 in Islamabad.
“The world emits greenhouse gases, but Pakistan pays the price. Our glaciers are melting, rainfall patterns are changing, and our people are suffering,” she told delegates.
Dr Shazra warned that climate-induced challenges such as glacial melt and unpredictable weather were threatening livelihoods and the economy, urging greater global cooperation to address them.
She said the government was working closely with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), which has been supporting Pakistan’s efforts to tackle water scarcity for the past five years.
“The government alone cannot overcome this crisis. We must partner with international institutions like IWMI to build resilience and secure our water resources,” she said.
The session was also attended by IWMI Country Representative Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Deputy Director Dr Rachel McDonnell, and International Director Mohsin Hafeez.
The five-day Pakistan Water Week 2025 brought together scientists, policymakers, students and non-governmental organisations from around the world to discuss strategies for managing water resources and mitigating the impact of floods and droughts.