Pakistan’s glaciers are melting rapidly, which requires urgent attention. Developed countries must fulfill their responsibilities to combat climate change.
The Prime Minister made it clear that Pakistan will neither compromise on its share of water nor allow India to cross the red line.
He expressed these views while addressing the International Conference on Glacier Protection (IGCP 2025) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The Prime Minister congratulated the Tajik President on organizing the conference and appreciated his comprehensive discussion on glaciers. He stated that after the polar regions, Pakistan has the highest number of glaciers in the world, totaling more than 13,000.
Shehbaz Sharif said that nearly half of Pakistan’s water comes from glaciers. The Indus River System is the foundation of the country’s economy, civilization, and culture, and the five major rivers flow due to glaciers. He referred to the devastating floods in 2022 caused by climate change, which destroyed crops on millions of acres, displaced thousands of families, and severely damaged infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that Pakistan’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is less than half a percent, yet it is among the ten countries most affected by climate change.
He said the ecosystem is also being impacted, endangering wildlife, agriculture, and human lives. Shehbaz Sharif urged developed countries to invest in early warning systems, disaster management, and other environmental initiatives in developing nations to prevent future disasters.
The Prime Minister further stated that using water as a weapon is unacceptable. He strongly condemned India’s attempts to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and made it clear that Pakistan will not show any flexibility on this issue.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that the protection of glaciers must be ensured at all costs, and the international community must immediately implement its environmental commitments.
