ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Climate Change has developed a comprehensive policy framework aimed at the protection of glaciers in Pakistan.
After consultations with relevant stakeholders, the draft policy will be submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval.
According to the draft, glaciers located in the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Dir, Swat, and Chitral play a critical role in sustaining Pakistan’s water supply, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting biodiversity.
Nearly half of the Indus River’s flow originates from the melting of snow and glaciers. The river is a lifeline for approximately 268 million people, fulfilling essential needs such as agriculture, drinking water, and food security. This underlines the urgent need for a coordinated strategy to protect glaciers and manage water resources.
The policy emphasizes the importance of strong coordination among sectors such as climate change, water, food security, and disaster risk reduction. It calls for harmonizing policies across these sectors to ensure integrated and effective action.
The framework also stresses the need for alignment and cooperation at federal, provincial, and local levels. Inclusion of all stakeholders is deemed essential to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities and to enhance climate resilience across the country.
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