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Towards a Sustainable Future: Federal Government Pledges Permanent Solutions for Gilgit-Baltistan’s Climate Crisis
Gilgit-Baltistan — a region that cradles Pakistan’s towering glaciers, sparkling rivers, and fragile mountain ecosystems — is increasingly under siege from the mounting impacts of climate change. Often referred to as the country's "water towers," its vast glacial reserves feed the Indus River system, sustaining agriculture, energy, and livelihoods across Pakistan. However, the region now faces a pattern of intermittent disasters: flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), erratic weather, and ecological degradation — all exacerbated by unchecked human encroachments and poor planning.
Amid this critical juncture, the Federal Government has voiced a firm commitment to adopt a long-term and systemic approach to mitigate and manage the worsening environmental situation in Gilgit-Baltistan. In an exclusive conversation with Tahir Rana of Gilgit Media Network on August 4,2025, Federal Minister for Climate Change, Dr. Musadik Malik, articulated the government’s resolve to move beyond ad hoc responses and piecemeal relief.
“The federal government is actively working towards a permanent solution,” the Minister asserted. “Merely distributing funds every time a disaster strikes is not a viable strategy. We need to address the structural causes behind the increasing vulnerability of this region.”
Dr. Malik lamented the continued practice of constructing residential structures along seasonal water channels — or nullahs — which are prone to sudden flash floods, particularly in the wake of accelerated glacial melting. “Such settlements are not only unsafe but are a major contributing factor to the scale of destruction we are witnessing,” he noted. “Through comprehensive land reforms, we aim to facilitate secure and sustainable resettlement options for those living in high-risk zones.”
He also raised serious concerns about unregulated tourism infrastructure that has emerged in ecologically sensitive areas. “Hotels and commercial lodgings are being constructed within riverbeds and even lakeside zones,” he revealed. “These activities, if left unchecked, will lead to irreversible damage to the region’s ecosystems and increase the frequency of disasters.”
The Minister’s remarks underscore the urgent need for integrated planning and enforcement mechanisms in Gilgit-Baltistan, where the natural environment is not only a source of life and livelihood but also a fragile treasure that must be preserved for future generations.
Responding to a question about vested interests and pressure from politically connected groups, Dr. Malik did not mince words:
“Yes, I am under immense pressure from entrenched mafias, but let me be clear — I will not allow anyone to damage the environment for personal or commercial gain. We have a duty to protect our natural heritage, and I am committed to fulfilling that duty without compromise.”
This bold declaration signals a much-needed shift in policy mindset — from reactive relief to proactive resilience — particularly for a region as critical as Gilgit-Baltistan. With climate-induced threats accelerating and the stakes higher than ever, it is imperative for both federal and local authorities to align efforts, enforce land-use regulations, and promote environmentally sound development models.
As Pakistan grapples with the broader fallout of global warming, Gilgit-Baltistan remains at the frontline — both as a vulnerable region and as a reservoir of hope. The path forward must involve not only firm policy decisions and land reforms but also meaningful community engagement, scientific planning, and unwavering political will.
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