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HYDERABAD, Oct 15 (APP): The Center for Rural Development Communication (CRDC), University of Sindh, Jamshoro organized a one-day seminar on “Climate Resilience and Community Well-being in Rural Sindh”, presided over by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Mari.
According to the University’s spokesperson, in his key address, Dr. Mari congratulated the CRDC for organizing an informative and student-led seminar on such a vital and timely issue.
He said that climate change had emerged as one of the greatest challenges of the century, affecting all sectors of life, especially in developing regions like Sindh. “The temperature is no longer consistent, the pattern of rainfall has changed drastically, creating complex climate issues in Sindh and across Pakistan,” he said.
He further remarked that the province was witnessing extreme weather conditions, with hotter summers and colder winters than before. “This is what we call climate change. Sindh has both coastal and arid regions where the impacts of climate variation are evident, rising sea levels, soil erosion and water scarcity have deeply affected the livelihoods of rural communities,” he added.
Dr. Mari emphasized that the University of Sindh was committed to promote climate education, research and community engagement to strengthen local resilience.
He said that Sindh was particularly vulnerable to natural disaster events due to its geographical location, socio-economic vulnerability and climatic conditions.
“In 2022, Sindh received rainfall in excess of 400pc over the 30-year average. Agricultural land in the low-lying areas of the province, downstream of the Indus is highly exposed to flooding, threatening food security in the province and across the country”, he said.
Environmental expert Nasir Ali Panhwar said that although Pakistan contributed less than one percent to global climate change, it remained among the most vulnerable countries to its impacts. on during floods.
“In the past, when railway lines were laid, engineers ensured bridges and water passages to protect natural flow systems. Unfortunately, such care is missing today and we pay the price during downpours and flash floods,” he noted.
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Nanak Ram said “Climate resilience is not merely a theoretical concept; it is a social responsibility. We must prepare our communities with adaptive strategies, including sustainable agriculture, water conservation and awareness”.
Station Director Radio Pakistan Hyderabad Dr. Ali Akber Hingoro said that community well-being and climate resilience were interlinked. “Even if employment opportunities and infrastructure are provided, they will have no long-term benefit unless we ensure environmental stability,” he asserted.
He warned that sustainable development would remain unachievable without serious measures to address climate threats. Senior journalist Mumtaz Bukhari, Director CRDC Dr. Rashid Khuhro and others also spoke on the occasion.
The event was attended by a large number of faculty members, researchers and students including Director SU’s Area Study Centre Dr. Mukesh Kumar Khatwani, Dr. Abdul Razaque Channa, Dr Dastar Chandio, Dr. Abdul Razaque Chhachhar, Zafar Mangi, Dr. Muhammad Qasim Nizamani, Dr. Salman Ahmed, Dr. Mubarak Lashari, Dr. Bashir Memon, Kaleem Butt and many others.