Pakistan home to over 13,032 glaciers, study reveals

Islamabad:Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam has said Pakistan is focusing on environmental conservation, climate and glaciological research, protected areas management, ecotourism, and the socio-economic development of mountain communities.

Addressing a press conference jointly organised by Ministry of Climate Change and EvK2CNR on the occasion of launching “The new inventory of 13,032 glaciers in Pakistan: the glaciers and students project,” the PM’s aide lauded the role of the Italian government and the support to Pakistan and particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan. She said the contribution of EvK2CNR and UNDP in carrying out comprehensive studies developed the new glaciers inventory of Pakistan that had revealed the new remarkable number of 13032 glaciers in Pakistan.

Ms Alam highlighted the challenges of climate change faced to Pakistan and underscored the need for international collaboration. She said Pakistan had long been grappling with climate-triggered disasters that had caused significant loss of life and property.

In recent years, the frequency and intensity of these events have increased, reminding us of the severe impact of global warming and climate change on our country, according to her. The aide to PM said the government, through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, placed immense value on initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, advancing environmental research and monitoring, and promoting sustainable practices in ecotourism and protected area management.

Ambassador of Italy Marilina Armellini, who was also in attendance, highlighted the close ties between Italy and Pakistan and the historical relationship for more than a century. She said the Italian government had supported many projects in Pakistan for last nearly three decades and would continue support in the future for sustainable development.

UNDP Resident Representative Samuel Rizk said the UNDP was working with local and international partners in Pakistan including AICS and EvK2CNR to deal with the menaces of climate change and the vulnerable communities towards climate mitigation and adaptation.

Experts from EvK2CNR Maurizio Gallo and Dr. Davide Fugazza highlighted the results of the Glaciers and Students initiative and the phenomenal achievement of the inventory of 13032 glaciers in Pakistan a rich treasure to serve the country for it’s drinking and irrigation water needs. They said eight automatic weather stations had been installed in GB to help in environmental monitoring.