On the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the Indus River as Pakistan’s lifeline. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defend its water rights, especially in light of India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. He stressed that such unilateral actions are unacceptable and threaten the lives of 240 million Pakistanis.
The Prime Minister warned that Pakistan faces severe climate risks, ranking among the top 10 most affected countries in 2022. Over 68% of the land is now barren or semi-barren. Drought in regions like Sindh, Balochistan, and South Punjab has pushed many poor communities deeper into poverty. He emphasized that land degradation must be tackled urgently.
Sharif noted that nearly 50% of Pakistan’s land is facing degradation due to deforestation, overgrazing, water misuse, and poor urban planning. He highlighted recent floods and recurring droughts, stating that climate change has worsened these events. Rising threats like wildfires and food insecurity are becoming more common and more dangerous.
He called land one of Pakistan’s most valuable resources for food, water, biodiversity, and jobs. Citing the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), he said over one million square kilometers of fertile land are lost globally each year. From 2025 to 2030, $1 billion daily is needed for land restoration efforts.
PM Sharif praised Pakistan’s environmental policies like the Green Pakistan Program, which has planted over 2.2 billion trees. He also mentioned the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Plan. Finally, he urged all stakeholders to work together for land recovery and a climate-resilient future for generations to come.