https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Wednesday warned that Pakistan is bearing an increasingly unbearable human and economic cost due to delayed climate action, stressing that the impact extends far beyond financial losses.
Speaking at a panel discussion organized by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) titled “Climate Resilience: Who Pays the Price for Delay?”, the minister said the consequences of inaction are unfolding in the lives, safety and future of millions.
Dr Malik revealed that nearly 4,700 people have lost their lives in the last four major flood events—“more than any war Pakistan has fought”—while around 18,000 others have been injured or permanently disabled.
He said more than three million people have been displaced, losing their homes, livelihoods and long-term stability, adding that climate change is also eroding education and social cohesion.
The minister said Pakistan loses an estimated 9.5 per cent of its GDP annually due to frequent flooding, including direct destruction and widespread disruptions that follow such disasters.
Highlighting the country’s geographic vulnerability, he warned that accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayan region is disrupting rainfall patterns and river flows, posing a major threat to national food security.
He reiterated that Pakistan remains “at the centre of climate transformation,” despite contributing less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions.
He pointed out stark global disparities, noting that two neighbouring countries contribute nearly 40 per cent of global emissions, while just ten nations are responsible for over 70 per cent.
The panel also included Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British High Commission, and Syed Jamal Baquar, CEO of TPL REIT Management Company, who emphasized the need for urgent, coordinated, and long-term resilience strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities.
