Islamabad, At the launch ceremony of the “Ecological Baseline Survey Report Tharparkar (Sindh),” Caretaker Federal Minister Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik emphasized the critical need for a socio-economic package to support livelihoods in Tharparkar. He highlighted environmental challenges in the region, including water contamination and pollution, urging immediate action from all stakeholders.

According to Press Information Department (PID), Dr. Malik acknowledged the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a valuable academic research platform for addressing environmental issues. The event also saw participation from Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN, along with other notable speakers including ex-Senator Javed Jabbar and botanical expert Dr. Muzaffar Hussain Sirohi.

The survey report sheds light on the unique ecological characteristics of Tharparkar, a region covering approximately 2000 square kilometers with diverse inhabitants and landscapes, including the Karoonjhar hills and various water bodies. The Minister stressed the significance of agriculture and livestock rearing as primary income sources for the local population. The report also highlights the region’s demographic details, including a population of 1.64 million as of 2017, a growth rate of 3.14%, and a density of 83.8 people per square kilometer.

Dr. Malik expressed concern over environmental degradation, particularly water pollution, and the visible effects on public health and education, such as school closures due to smog. He called for collective responsibility in maintaining environmental cleanliness and taking decisive steps to address pollution. The launch of this ecological survey is a step towards understanding and addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by Tharparkar.