Musadik Malik Warns of Escalating Climate Threats, Urges Bold National Response
Federal Minister Engages Climate Experts and Media in Karachi to Discuss Monsoon Preparedness and Climate Resilience
Karachi: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, participated in a house dialogue with climate experts, environmental activists, and media representatives at the Climate Action Centre Karachi, where he emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue, climate preparedness, and sustainable environmental policies to address Pakistan’s growing climate challenges.
Speaking during the interactive session, the Minister described Karachi as one of Pakistan’s most diverse cities, stating that its diversity of thought and ideas motivated his visit. He observed that while Karachi is home to people from diverse backgrounds with valuable perspectives, this diversity is not adequately reflected in the city’s infrastructure and development. He reiterated his commitment to listening to the recommendations and experiences of climate experts and civil society in order to formulate practical and effective climate policies.
Highlighting the urgency of the current climate situation, Dr. Musadik Malik said that his visit was particularly timely as the country enters the monsoon season. He noted that the government is closely monitoring preparedness measures and reviewing the actions required to minimize the impact of heavy rains and other climate-related emergencies before the peak of the monsoon.
The Minister stated that northern regions of Pakistan are expected to experience heavy rainfall and flooding due to rising temperatures, which have accelerated glacier melting. He said the government is closely monitoring the situation and that the country’s reservoirs and dams possess the capacity to store significant volumes of water, enabling better water management during periods of excessive rainfall.
At the same time, he cautioned that several regions of Pakistan may face drought conditions owing to below-normal rainfall, while urban centres remain vulnerable to cloudbursts and intense rainfall that could trigger urban flooding. He stressed that both floods and droughts pose serious risks to agriculture, food security, infrastructure, livelihoods, and the national economy, underscoring the need for proactive planning and coordinated response mechanisms.
During the question-and-answer session, the Federal Minister emphasized that meaningful environmental progress requires collective action despite resource constraints. He stated that all stakeholders must work together with the resources available to improve their surroundings and build resilient communities. He further highlighted the importance of engaging local communities in identifying solutions to environmental challenges, noting that sustainable climate action can only succeed through public participation and collaboration.
Dr. Musadik Malik also underscored the valuable contributions of climate activists, researchers, and environmental organizations, stating that individuals and groups working for climate protection should be recognized, encouraged, and empowered to strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience.
Speaking on Pakistan’s clean energy potential, the Minister observed that the country is richly endowed with solar and wind resources, which offer significant opportunities for sustainable development. He stressed the need to create a conducive policy and investment environment to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Expanding the use of solar and wind power, he said, would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, minimize the use of coal, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment while supporting Pakistan’s long-term climate and sustainability objectives.
The dialogue 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 against the growing impacts of climate change.