NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for collective action to protect Pakistan’s mountains and glaciers as the country joins the world in marking International Mountain Day.
In a message released to commemorate the day, observed globally on December 11, the prime minister said this year’s theme — “The Critical Role of Mountain Glaciers in Water, Food and Livelihoods” — carries particular relevance for Pakistan due to its unique landscape and natural wealth.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan is home to the meeting point of three iconic mountain ranges — the Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush — and possesses over 7,000 glaciers, including some of the most prominent in the world such as Siachen, Baltoro, Biafo and Batura. These glaciers, he said, form the backbone of the country’s water system by sustaining the Indus River Basin, supporting agriculture, powering hydropower projects and supplying drinking water from the northern regions all the way to the coast.
The prime minister cautioned that these vital natural assets are under mounting pressure from climate change. Rapid glacial melting, rising temperatures, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and environmental degradation, he warned, are already threatening water availability, food security, biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities living in mountain regions.
Calling for a renewed national commitment, Shehbaz Sharif urged the government, institutions and citizens to work together to safeguard fragile mountain ecosystems. He stressed the importance of climate resilience, sustainable land management, responsible tourism and meaningful involvement of local communities in conservation efforts. He also acknowledged the contribution of environmental organizations and tourism bodies in spreading awareness about the importance of mountain preservation.
Highlighting the pivotal role of people living in high-altitude areas, the premier said that mountain communities — custodians of rich cultural and historical traditions — must remain central to any strategy aimed at protecting natural resources.
On this occasion, the prime minister made a special appeal to the youth to step forward as champions of environmental protection. He underscored the urgent need for unified efforts to ensure that Pakistan’s towering peaks and magnificent glaciers remain intact and continue to inspire future generations.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/oic-comstech-and-drap-announce-dates-for-upcoming-seminars-on-herbal-medicine-vaccines/
