Federal Minister stresses urgent action on glaciers, water security at climate conference

ISLAMABAD, May 06 (APP): Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, stated that discussions on glaciers are central to Pakistan’s future.

Addressing the second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, organised by DawnMedia, which commenced on Wednesday, he emphasised that the Indus Basin was not merely a river system but the country’s lifeline.

“It feeds our people, drives our agriculture, and sustains our cities. If the Indus is secure, Pakistan is secure. However, today our lifeline is under pressure,” he said.

The minister noted that glaciers, the primary source of the Indus system, are undergoing significant changes, making their behaviour increasingly unpredictable. “This directly affects how much water we receive and when we receive it,” he added.

Highlighting the growing climate extremes, he said Pakistan was witnessing both devastating floods and severe water shortages. Referring to the 2022 Pakistan floods, he pointed out the scale of destruction caused by climate change, while in other years the country was facing acute water scarcity.

He further warned that the downstream Indus Delta was shrinking, sea intrusion was advancing, and vulnerable communities were increasingly at risk.

Addressing these challenges, the minister said the government was adopting a comprehensive approach. “We are strengthening our water systems by building and managing infrastructure capable of storing water when available and releasing it when needed,” he said.

He added that monitoring systems were being improved through both ground-based mechanisms and modern technologies to support informed decision-making.

The minister underscored the importance of efficient water use, particularly in agriculture, which consumed the largest share. “We cannot afford waste. Better irrigation practices, smarter cropping choices, and rational water management are no longer optional, they are essential,” he stressed.

He also highlighted the need for improved coordination within the country. “Water is a shared resource that requires trust and cooperation among provinces. We are strengthening institutional mechanisms to ensure decisions are based on data rather than perceptions,” he said.

Recognising that the Indus was a transboundary system, he stressed the importance of adhering to established frameworks, maintaining cooperation, and avoiding unilateral actions. “Water must remain an area of discipline, not dispute,” he remarked.

He described water management as not only a technical issue but a national priority linked to food security, economic stability, and social balance. “We have the data and expertise, but we must ensure this knowledge directly informs decisions on the ground,” he added.

Emphasizing a people-centric approach, the minister said policies must translate into tangible improvements for farmers, villagers, and communities in the delta.

“The Indus has sustained us for generations, but it will not do so automatically in the future. It requires careful management, strong institutions, and consistent policy direction. We have the capacity to manage this challenge, but we must act in a coordinated and disciplined manner,” he concluded.

The second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference started here  on Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, climate experts, financial institutions, development partners, and private-sector leaders to address Pakistan’s growing climate challenges and pathways to resilience.

Across six sessions, discussions focused on climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, climate finance, water governance, agriculture, food security, and climate legislation. Speakers underscored the urgent need for stronger implementation, coordinated policymaking, increased adaptation financing, sustainable water management, climate-resilient agriculture, and effective enforcement of environmental laws.

Key speakers included Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Senator Sherry Rehman, Water Resources Minister Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, as well as representatives from the World Bank, United Nations, Asian Development Bank, AllB, Green Climate Fund, WFP, FAO, and leaders from Pakistan’s banking, agriculture and development sectors.

The conference will conclude on May 7 in islamabad.