Islamabad: On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to tackling the pressing issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought. The event, observed under the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” emphasizes the critical role of rangelands in ensuring food security, conserving biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, managing water resources, and sustaining agricultural livelihoods.

According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s extensive rangelands, which are vital for supporting livestock-based livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. Pakistan faces significant challenges from climate change, with rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity, and land degradation threatening agricultural productivity and national food security.

The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges, with initiatives including land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration. The Zarkhaiz Scheme, launched by the Federal Government, provides financial support to farmers through interest-free loans and subsidies on agricultural machinery, aiming to enhance productivity and promote sustainable land management.

Prime Minister Sharif called upon government institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, and local communities to collaborate in protecting and restoring land resources. He stressed the importance of collective action and cooperation to enhance resilience to climate change and ensure a prosperous future for future generations.