ISLAMABAD: On the World Day for Glaciers, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan emphasized the crucial role that glaciers play in supporting life and livelihoods throughout the country. These ice reserves, located in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalaya mountain ranges, are essential to the nation’s water supply, agriculture, and energy production.

According to Press Information Department, Pakistan’s glaciers, numbering over 13,000, form the largest concentration of ice outside the polar regions and feed into the Indus River system. This river system is vital for irrigating fields across the Indus basin, sustaining hydropower generation, and meeting the daily water needs of communities. However, changing glacier patterns pose significant risks, including glacial lake outburst floods and landslides, which threaten the safety and well-being of families in northern regions.

The impact of climate change is accelerating glacier melt, raising the likelihood of environmental disasters. The extreme heat and weather events seen in northern Pakistan in 2025, resulting in flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage, highlight the urgency of strengthening preparedness and resilience efforts in areas like Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan is addressing these challenges through various initiatives, including the National Climate Change Policy 2021, the National Adaptation Plan 2023, and its Nationally Determined Contributions. These efforts focus on enhancing climate monitoring, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and community support to mitigate disaster risks.

The president also called for increased international cooperation to protect glaciers and promote sustainable development in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region. Collaboration in research, data sharing, early warning systems, and climate finance is crucial for enabling vulnerable mountain regions to adapt to changing conditions.

The protection of glaciers is integral to Pakistan’s water security and the stability of its ecosystems. The president stressed that ongoing efforts and international partnerships are necessary to ensure the long-term well-being of the nation’s people and environment.