Islamabad: Pakistan’s urgent need to realign its development priorities with the global 2030 Agenda was underscored by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, during a high-level policy forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing the “Pakistan SDG’s Policy Dialogue for Action,” Dr. Malik highlighted the country’s lagging performance in SDG progress, ranking 137th out of 166 countries in the 2024 SDG Index.

The forum, held in Islamabad, assembled policymakers, development partners, civil society, and experts to deliberate on aligning national efforts with global sustainability goals. Dr. Malik noted Pakistan’s challenges in achieving several SDGs, especially in clean water, sanitation, sustainable cities, climate action, and institutional reform.

He pointed out that SDGs have not been effectively integrated into provincial plans, and there is a lack of a comprehensive national strategy. Data inconsistencies between federal, provincial, and international sources were also highlighted as a barrier to transparent policymaking.

Dr. Malik described Pakistan’s escalating water crisis as a “silent national emergency” and expressed concern over deteriorating urban environmental conditions. He called for decisive action from public institutions, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable development.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination pledged to work closely with provincial governments and other stakeholders to accelerate SDG progress. Dr. Malik concluded with a stark warning: “Time is running out. Either we act now, or history will leave us behind.”