ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of the government’s Recharge Pakistan initiative in mitigating flood risks induced by climate change and addressing drought impacts through ecosystem-based adaptation.
In a message marking World Water Day on March 22, the Prime Minister said: “Through our Living Indus initiative, we are implementing 25 priority interventions, ranging from promoting nature-based agriculture and restoring the Indus Delta, to combating industrial pollution and investing in green infrastructure.”
Sharif pointed out: “As we observe World Water Day 2025 under the theme ‘Glacier Preservation,’ we are reminded of the crucial role glaciers play in maintaining our planet’s freshwater resources, and the significant challenges we face in safeguarding this vital asset.”
He added: “Water is the foundation of life; essential to our economies, food systems, and ecosystems. Yet, this life-giving resource is under unprecedented stress.”
The Prime Minister further highlighted that nearly half of the global population faces water scarcity for part of the year, with billions still lacking access to clean drinking water. At the same time, water pollution is escalating at alarming rates.
“Our wetlands are vanishing three times faster than forests. This is no longer a distant concern—it’s a global crisis that requires immediate, collective action,” the Prime Minister said.
Sharif continued: “Pakistan is no stranger to these challenges. As a country highly dependent on glaciers, rivers, and aquifers, we are witnessing the accelerating impact of climate change and population pressures on our water resources. The catastrophic 2022 floods still cast a shadow, severely damaging our irrigation systems and displacing millions.”
He also noted that droughts present an equally serious threat, with nearly 80% of Pakistan’s land classified as arid or semi-arid, and 30% of the population directly impacted by drought-like conditions.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan is among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change, with average temperatures expected to rise faster than the global average.
“Over three-quarters of our water resources originate outside our borders, which is why transboundary water cooperation is crucial. In this context, the effective implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty is vital for our water security,” he added.
On World Water Day, Sharif called for a renewed commitment to preserve glaciers, protect water resources, and work together towards a resilient, water-secure future—for the people of Pakistan, the region, and the world.
