Gilgit: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Musadik Malik, visited District Shigar to assess ongoing initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the region. Accompanied by a high-level delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the minister examined projects under the GLOF-II initiative.

During his visit, Minister Malik reviewed the installation of early warning systems and protective embankments designed to safeguard local communities. He also assessed the damage caused by glacier melt and glacial lake outburst floods in Shigar Valley. The visit included briefings from Commissioner Baltistan Kamal Khan, Deputy Commissioner Shigar Waliullah Falahi, and other local officials on the progress and impact of the GLOF-II project.

The minister engaged with local residents to understand their concerns and instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Shigar and the Commissioner of Baltistan to provide a detailed report on the impacts of climate change on the local population.

Prior to the visit, Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, briefed Minister Malik on Gilgit-Baltistan’s climate vulnerability and the GLOF-II project’s objectives in addressing these challenges. The minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of government officials and local agencies in building resilience against glacial-related incidents.