More than 13,000 glaciers face increasing threats; Rapid melting of glaciers threatens northern regions
Experts say the region is prone to several natural disasters. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan must take urgent and decisive action to curb accelerated melting of glaciers in its northern mountainous regions by strengthening monitoring systems, improving policy implementation and scaling up community-based adaptation measures, experts warned during a high-level consultation in the federal capital.
The consultation, titled “Glacier Adaptation Plan for Gilgit-Baltistan” and organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), brought together government officials, researchers and civil society representatives.
Participants collectively called for the declaration of a “glacial emergency” in the northern areas of the country and urged the promotion of environmentally responsible tourism to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to the retreat of glaciers.
Zakir Hussain, Director General of Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, highlighted the growing vulnerability of the region to flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and landslides. He highlighted the need to align climate adaptation strategies with disaster risk reduction efforts.
While highlighting progress in awareness campaigns, simulation exercises and early warning systems, he acknowledged that only a fraction of the vast region is currently covered by such measures.
Experts stressed that the impacts of climate change have intensified significantly since 2022, accelerating the loss of glaciers in the high mountain ranges of the Hindukush, Karakoram, Himalaya (HKH) region, often called the “Third Pole” due to its vast freshwater reserves. Projections indicate that glacier mass could decrease by up to 57 percent by the end of the century under high emissions scenarios.
Speakers also emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into scientific frameworks and called for legal protections for glaciers, drawing parallels with international models.
