KARACHI: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik has called for greater climate preparedness, inclusive dialogue and coordinated action to tackle Pakistan’s growing environmental challenges, stressing that proactive planning is crucial ahead of the monsoon season.
Speaking during an interactive session with climate experts, environmental activists and media representatives at the Climate Action Centre in Karachi on Friday, the minister said effective climate action requires collaboration between the government, experts and local communities.
Dr. Malik said Karachi’s diversity of people and ideas had inspired his visit, adding that while the city reflected a broad range of perspectives, its infrastructure and development had yet to fully benefit from that diversity. He said the government remained committed to engaging climate experts and civil society to develop practical and evidence-based environmental policies.
Highlighting the approaching monsoon season, the minister said authorities were closely monitoring preparedness measures and reviewing contingency plans to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and other climate-related emergencies.
He warned that northern parts of the country could receive heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding due to accelerated glacier melting caused by rising temperatures. At the same time, he noted that some regions may experience drought because of below-normal rainfall, while urban centres remain vulnerable to cloudbursts and intense downpours that could trigger urban flooding.
Dr. Malik said Pakistan’s reservoirs and dams have the capacity to store significant volumes of water, which would help improve water management during periods of excessive rainfall. However, he stressed that both floods and droughts pose serious risks to agriculture, food security, infrastructure, livelihoods and the national economy, underscoring the need for coordinated preparedness and response.
During the interactive session, the minister said meaningful progress in addressing climate change could only be achieved through collective efforts despite limited resources. He emphasised the importance of involving local communities in identifying and implementing climate solutions, saying sustainable environmental action depends on public participation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of climate activists, researchers and environmental organisations, saying their work plays a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s climate resilience.
Highlighting the country’s renewable energy potential, Dr. Malik said Pakistan has abundant solar and wind resources and called for supportive policies and greater investment to accelerate their development. Expanding renewable energy, he said, would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and support the country’s long-term climate and sustainability goals.
The session concluded with an exchange of recommendations between the minister, climate experts and media representatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, environmental sustainability and collaborative efforts to enhance Pakistan’s resilience to climate change.
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