The picturesque landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, with their majestic glaciers and pristine rivers, are faced with a serious threat.
A week long heat wave has triggered a rapid melting of glaciers, causing streams to swell and flood, wreaking havoc on roads, agricultural lands and properties.
Melting of glaciers is not just a local issue but also a significant threat to our water security and human lives.
Pakistan, home to over seven thousand glaciers, is experiencing unprecedented melt.
These glaciers are crucial for us, supplying around 70% of fresh water that feeds into rivers, sustains agriculture, provides drinking water and even powers electricity.
The rapid melting, driven by persistent heat waves, is depleting this vital “water bank.
” The implications are dire: water shortages could threaten lives and livelihoods across Pakistan.
This dire situation is a stark reminder of urgent need to address the issue of climate change.
Rising temperatures, especially during peak summer months, are unprecedented causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate.
As Shahzad Shigri, director of GB Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted that phenomenon this summer is unprecedented with water levels in rivers and nullahs reaching alarming heights.
Our struggle against this environmental crisis requires a concerted global effort.
Reducing carbon emissions is paramount to slowing down rate of climate change and consequently glacial melt.
The international community must recognise urgency and scale of this crisis, not only because it affects Pakistan but also a bell-wether for global climate trends.
Financial and technical assistance from developed nations is crucial.
Pakistan needs support to enhance its capacity to respond to GLOF events, build resilient infrastructure, and implement sustainable water use practices, particularly in agriculture.
Investing in early warning systems, strengthening river embankments, and developing community-based disaster management plans are critical steps.
It is imperative for global community to act together so that we can mitigate impacts of climate change, protect vulnerable communities and preserve natural wonders that are an integral part of world heritage.
