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LAHORE:
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik said on Saturday that the global climate crisis should not be seen only as an environmental challenge, but also as a failure of international cooperation and justice.
Addressing a session on the second day of ThinkFest 2026 at the Alhamra Arts Council, Dr Malik stressed the need to move beyond isolated scientific research and embrace what he called “science diplomacy”.
He said science has the unique power to bridge gaps between nations, enabling collaboration through shared research and global projects despite political differences. “Science is the only language that remains universal,” he remarked.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, the minister noted that the country contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, but remains one of the countries hardest hit by climate-related disasters. For developing countries, he said, scientific collaboration is a necessity of survival rather than a luxury.
The minister also called for global responsibility, highlighting the imbalance between financial profits and environmental costs. He said countries that benefit most from carbon-intensive industries often face the least immediate consequences, while poorer countries bear the brunt of climate impacts.
“It is fundamentally wrong that profit is privatized by the few while climate consequences are socialized among the many,” he said, calling for the creation of a global mechanism to hold high-emitting countries financially accountable.
Dr Malik’s remarks were warmly received by the audience, positioning Pakistan as a strong voice for climate justice. He urged the international community to reshape global policies based on data and ethics to ensure a just and inclusive response to climate change.
