Pakistan prioritizes food water and agriculture under climate stress
ISLAMABAD, June 23 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, called for aligning Pakistan’s climate policies with global sustainability targets, emphasizing the urgent need for scientific innovation and adaptive governance.
Speaking at a seminar marking World Environment Day—titled “Bridging the Climate-Adaptation Divide Across the Food-Water-Agriculture Nexus”—held at the NDMA Auditorium, Dr. Malik stressed the importance of moving from dialogue to decisive action on climate challenges.
He pointed out the contradiction of water abundance alongside poor management, highlighting widespread wastage and the lack of access to clean drinking water. “Wetlands are an untapped natural resource for carbon sequestration,” he noted, urging a shift towards ecological stewardship.
The seminar gathered policymakers, scientists, diplomats, and development professionals to confront Pakistan’s growing climate risks.
Organized by COMSATS in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change, NDMA, UNEP, and other key organizations, the event spotlighted the heightened climate vulnerabilities facing agrarian economies, especially in the Global South.
Over 200 participants, including ambassadors from Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, and other countries, emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to address climate-induced challenges such as food insecurity, water shortages, and disruptions in agriculture.
Justice Jawad Hassan reaffirmed the judiciary’s constitutional role in promoting environmental justice.
Referencing key rulings, he emphasized that adherence to climate treaties is a binding legal obligation, not an act of judicial activism.
He also advocated for judicial training reforms and stricter accountability to ensure fair climate financing and green development.
A high-level panel discussion featured insights from NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, former Climate Minister Malik Amin Aslam, and leaders from the private sector.
Key recommendations included tackling fragmentation in climate and water governance, scaling adaptive agriculture at the provincial level, increasing funding for resilient infrastructure and research, and prioritizing women and marginalized groups in adaptation efforts.
Heads of partner institutions—including COMSATS, ECOSF, and ICARDA—called for science-based diplomacy and strengthened South-South cooperation to combat climate change.
COMSATS’ Ambassador Dr. Zakaria emphasized the importance of equity-driven, systemic approaches to bridge the adaptation gap.
The seminar concluded with a renewed pledge for collaborative action, aiming to turn climate policy dialogues into concrete resilience strategies for Pakistan and the wider Global South.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is climate adaptation and why is it urgent for Pakistan in 2025?
Climate adaptation refers to efforts that help societies adjust to the harmful effects of climate change. In 2025, Pakistan faces intensified heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and floods, making adaptation critical for food security, water availability, and rural livelihoods.
What is meant by the food-water-agriculture nexus?
This concept describes how food production, water resources, and agriculture are deeply interdependent. In Pakistan’s 2025 climate policies, balancing this nexus is essential to prevent water scarcity from triggering food shortages and damaging rural economies.
How does the judiciary support climate action in Pakistan?
In 2025, Pakistan’s judiciary is increasingly interpreting environmental protection as a constitutional right. Courts are ensuring compliance with climate treaties, holding authorities accountable, and advocating for legal reforms that prioritize green justice and finance.
What are wetlands and their role in climate mitigation?
Wetlands are natural ecosystems like marshes and swamps that store carbon, reduce flooding, and purify water. Pakistan’s 2025 environmental agenda identifies wetlands as a low-cost, nature-based solution for climate resilience, yet they remain underutilized.
What is South-South climate cooperation and how is Pakistan involved?
South-South cooperation is a partnership among developing nations to share climate knowledge and technologies. In 2025, Pakistan is actively collaborating with countries like Ethiopia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan to exchange best practices on adaptation and green development.
Why is multisectoral cooperation important in climate resilience?
Multisectoral cooperation means involving various sectors—government, private industry, academia, and NGOs—in climate solutions. Pakistan’s 2025 climate efforts highlight this as key to addressing complex issues like drought, migration, and energy transition.
What is adaptive agriculture and why is it being scaled up in provinces?
Adaptive agriculture uses climate-smart practices like drought-resistant seeds and efficient irrigation. In 2025, Pakistan’s provinces are being encouraged to adopt these methods to maintain crop yields and protect farmers from unpredictable weather patterns.
How is climate finance linked to social equity in 2025?
Climate finance includes funding to support adaptation and mitigation projects. A major concern in 2025 is ensuring this money reaches poor and vulnerable groups, especially women and marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
What role does scientific innovation play in climate policy?
Scientific innovation includes research, data tools, and tech solutions that improve climate decision-making. In 2025, Pakistan is pushing for greater investment in science to inform policies on food security, water conservation, and renewable energy.
What is the significance of high-level climate seminars in shaping policy?
Seminars like the one at NDMA in June 2025 bring together experts, diplomats, and stakeholders to shape collective responses. These events translate complex climate issues into actionable recommendations and are central to aligning national plans with global goals.
