PM Shehbaz Emphasizes Climate Action and Water Conservation on World Water Day

PM notes droughts pose serious threat with nearly 80% of our land categorised as arid or semi-arid.

By DTD- On Mar 22, 2025

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of World Water Day 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address climate-induced water challenges through initiatives like Recharge Pakistan and Living Indus. These initiatives focus on mitigating flood risks, reducing drought impacts, and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation.

In his message, the Prime Minister noted that the Recharge Pakistan initiative is working to combat climate-related floods and droughts through enhanced environmental practices, while the Living Indus initiative focuses on key interventions such as promoting nature-based agriculture, restoring the Indus delta, curbing industrial pollution, and investing in green infrastructure.

Referring to the theme of this year’s World Water Day, ‘Glacier Preservation,’ the Prime Minister stressed the crucial role glaciers play in sustaining global freshwater supplies. He also pointed out the alarming challenges facing the world in preserving these essential resources.

“Water is the cornerstone of life; fundamental to our economies, our food systems, and our environment,” said the Prime Minister, acknowledging the increasing global water scarcity. He noted that nearly half of the global population experiences water shortages at least part of the year, and billions remain without access to clean drinking water.

Prime Minister Sharif further emphasized the pressing issue of disappearing wetlands, which are vanishing three times faster than forests, highlighting it as a global crisis requiring immediate attention.

Pakistan, heavily reliant on glaciers, rivers, and aquifers, faces severe challenges from climate change. The catastrophic floods of 2022 and recurring droughts, affecting 30% of the country’s population, have intensified pressure on the nation’s water resources.

With 80% of Pakistan’s land categorized as arid or semi-arid, and temperatures rising faster than the global average, Pakistan is ranked among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. The Prime Minister also emphasized the significance of transboundary water cooperation, particularly the Indus Waters Treaty, for ensuring Pakistan’s water security.

“On this World Water Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to preserve our glaciers, protect our water resources, and work together for a resilient, water-secure future—for our people, our region, and our planet,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded.