Ahsan Iqbal Highlights Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Disasters; Calls for Global Support to Combat Pakistan’s Climate Challenges at Pakistan Water Week 2024

4 Nov 2024

Islamabad: Addressing the opening of the 4th Pakistan Water Week 2024, Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary underscored the critical need for international support to combat Pakistan’s escalating climate challenges. Hosted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the conference focused on “Building a Climate-Resilient Future: Pathways for Water and Food Security in Pakistan.” Prof. Iqbal’s remarks emphasized the nation’s proactive role in addressing global water and food security issues while highlighting the urgency for collaborative global action.

Prof. Iqbal spoke candidly on Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. “Pakistan stands on the frontlines of a crisis caused largely by others, and the poorest among us are paying the highest price,” he remarked, recalling the devastating floods of 2022, which left millions of Pakistanis suffering.

He stressed that international cooperation is essential in supporting Pakistan’s adaptation efforts, which have already impacted millions across the country.

In acknowledging global efforts to address water crises, Prof. Iqbal praised international initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Decade of Action for Water (2018–2028). He commended platforms like the UN Water Conference, Stockholm World Water Week, and Africa Water Week for promoting knowledge sharing and innovation. “Pakistan is an active participant in this global movement, striving to lead in water conservation and climate adaptation despite our vulnerabilities,” he affirmed.

Highlighting Pakistan’s rich irrigation infrastructure, which spans approximately 17 million hectares, Prof. Iqbal acknowledged the system’s pressures from population growth, industrialization, and environmental degradation. He revealed that while agriculture consumes over 90% of Pakistan’s water resources, inefficient irrigation methods lead to significant water losses—up to 40% in some areas. He cited climate-induced impacts, including floods, droughts, and glacial melt, that have disrupted the lives of over 40 million people and caused an economic toll surpassing $30 billion.

To address these challenges, Pakistan has outlined strategic objectives through its National Water Policy, launched in 2018, and allocated 12.2% of its Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget to water resource management. With Rs. 98 billion earmarked for water projects this fiscal year, Prof. Iqbal underscored the government’s commitment to sustainable water management.

He further elaborated on the government’s 5Es Framework, where environment and climate change hold a prominent place, emphasizing water and food security. Self-reliant adaptation, ecosystem-based strategies like the Recharge Pakistan program, and the National Flood Protection Plan, updated in light of the 2022 floods, reflect Pakistan’s strategic response to climate-induced natural disasters.

Recognizing food security as another critical issue, Prof. Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which provides employment to 40% of the workforce and contributes around 20% to the GDP. Climate-induced challenges such as drought and water scarcity threaten food production and prices, he noted. With nearly 40% of children under five facing stunted growth, the government has responded with the Green Revolution 2.0 program, targeting a 30% reduction in food insecurity within two years, and the income support program, benefiting over 8 million families.

Prof. Iqbal identified technology and innovation as transformative tools for ensuring water and food security. Under his vision of a “Tech Economy Revolution,” he shared that Pakistan is advancing initiatives like precision agriculture, satellite monitoring, and AI-driven water management systems to modernize and secure its agricultural and water management practices. He highlighted innovative urban resilience measures such as sponge cities, which manage excess floodwater by retaining rainwater and reducing flood risks.

The Minister further stressed the need for stability and continuity in policy for sustainable progress. Recalling the government’s efforts from 2013 to 2018 under Vision Pakistan 2025, he affirmed the Planning Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a focus on the nation’s long-term development goals despite political shifts. “The time has come to put knowledge into action, closing the knowing-doing gap and implementing sustainable solutions,” he asserted.

Calling for partnerships with academia, international experts, and the private sector, Prof. Iqbal encouraged organizations like the IWMI to support Pakistan’s climate resilience journey. “I invite IWMI to collaborate with the Planning Commission in developing a roadmap for addressing Pakistan’s environmental, climate, and social challenges in water and food security,” he said.

Prof. Iqbal concluded with a call to action, urging all conference participants to use the discussions as a foundation for a water- and food-secure Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to the event organizers and reiterated his commitment to transforming their recommendations into actionable solutions.