More than 13,000 glaciers face growing threats; Rapid melting of glaciers threatens northern regions
Experts say the region is prone to various natural disasters. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan must take urgent and decisive action to curb the accelerated melting of glaciers in its northern mountain regions by strengthening monitoring systems, improving policy implementation and expanding community-based adaptation measures, experts warned at 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 country’s northern regions and urged the promotion of environmentally friendly tourism to reduce carbon emissions contributing to the retreat of glaciers.
Zakir Hussain, Director General of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, highlighted the region’s increasing vulnerability to flash floods, glacial lake flash floods (GLOF) and landslides. He stressed the need to align climate adaptation strategies with disaster risk reduction efforts.
While noting 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 have highlighted that the impacts of climate change have intensified significantly since 2022, accelerating the melting 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 decline by up to 57 percent by the end of the century under high emissions scenarios.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into scientific frameworks and called for legal protections for glaciers, drawing parallels with international models.
