Deep within the intricate tapestry of Pakistan’s socio-political fabric, a complex web of challenges has emerged, with climate change and gender issues intricately interwoven at its core. However, the delicate harmony necessary for addressing these critical concerns is continually disrupted by systemic negligence, laying bare a democracy that teeters on the brink of instability. Despite outward efforts, the current political system is struggling with inadequacies that hinder the resolution of essential issues.

The nation’s journey has been marked by periods of military rule, political instability and wavering commitment to democratic ideals. This historical backdrop provides context to the contemporary challenges faced by the democratic structure, reflecting a struggle to establish and maintain a robust democratic tradition.

The manifestations of climate change in Pakistan are not just environmental; they reverberate through societal structures, exacerbating gender vulnerabilities. Traditional roles and inequalities are magnified in the face of climate-induced challenges, creating a symbiotic relationship between environmental crises and gender-based adversity. The resultant migration often serves as a catalyst for an alarming surge in gender-based violence, forming a disconcerting cycle that perpetuates societal discord.

In rural areas heavily reliant on agriculture, changing weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall disrupt traditional farming practices. This not only affects the economic stability of farming households but also places an additional burden on women, who are often responsible for managing water resources and ensuring food security. The heightened economic stress exacerbates existing gender inequalities, limiting women’s access to resources and decision-making power within the household.

Furthermore, as climate change-induced disasters such as floods and droughts become more frequent and intense, communities are forced to migrate in search of more habitable environments. This migration, often involuntary, provides a catalyst for a surge in gender-based violence. Displaced women and girls, already vulnerable due to their marginalised status, face heightened risks of exploitation, abuse and trafficking in the absence of adequate protection mechanisms.

In the aftermath of the devastating floods that swept through Pakistan in recent years, instances of gender-based violence surged as displaced families sought refuge in temporary shelters. Limited access to secure shelters, sanitation facilities and proper policing mechanisms allowed predatory behaviour to proliferate, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that consider the intersectionality of climate change and gender dynamics.

The breakdown of traditional support structures, coupled with the strain of climate-induced challenges, further weakens community resilience. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of this discord, facing increased domestic violence, reduced economic opportunities and limited access to education and healthcare.

Despite proclamations of governmental commitment, pervasive systemic negligence envelops the critical issues of climate change and gender. The negligence is not a recent development. It is rooted in the historical trajectory of democracy in the country.

The corrosion of democracy in Pakistan is not merely a political predicament; it mirrors a profound and multifaceted crisis. The little to no awareness regarding policies addressing climate change and gender issues in the manifestos of political parties is disheartening. The leadership is apparently preoccupied with power dynamics at the expense of public welfare. The lack of attention to such pressing issues is symptomatic of a fundamental void in the governance structure.

The prevailing political psychology is marked by an intense tug-of-war. This struggle for power, apparently confined to the political elite, has far-reaching consequences. It not only diverts attention from critical issues that demand urgent resolution but also exerts a stifling influence on effective policy-making processes. The resultant policy vacuum weakens the foundations of governance. It also jeopardises the leadership’s capacity to systematically address pressing concerns such as climate change and gender issues.

Recent debates have been dominated by power struggles between political factions, overshadowing meaningful discussions on crucial issues affecting the lives of ordinary citizens. This tug of war has perpetuated a governance paralysis that impedes the implementation of comprehensive policies for mitigating climate change and addressing gender disparities.

The systemic negligence observed in addressing climate change and gender-related issues in Pakistan is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a broader crisis eroding the foundations of democracy. As elections approach, the nation faces a pivotal moment that demands a reevaluation of its commitment to democratic values and a concerted effort to break free from the corrosive dynamics that hinder effective governance. The resolution of these systemic issues is not just a matter of policy; it is a fundamental reclamation of the democratic ideals upon which the nation was built.

Despite the evolving nature of threats, the security framework remains predominantly fixated on conventional and traditional adversaries, leaving scant room for addressing non-conventional human security concerns. This oversight, particularly in the context of climate change and climate-induced migration, is a critical example of the security vulnerabilities that imperil the well-being of the population.

Traditionally, the security discourse in Pakistan has been dominated by concerns related to border tensions, geopolitical rivalries and military confrontations. The focus on conventional threats, while crucial, has somewhat overshadowed the pressing non-traditional challenges that also pose a significant risk to the populace.

The impact of climate change on human security is multifaceted. Its consequences range from food insecurity to increased frequency of natural disasters. The melting glaciers in the northern regions of Pakistan not only threaten the availability of freshwater but also contribute to the potential displacement of communities that rely on glacial melt water for their livelihoods. Failure to address these climate-induced threats can not only led to internal displacement but also exacerbate resource-based conflicts, undermining the overall well-being and security of the affected population.

As climate change forces communities to migrate in search of habitable environments, the security apparatus must confront the challenges posed by large-scale population movements.

Prolonged droughts in agricultural regions may prompt rural-to-urban migration, straining the urban infrastructure and potentially leading to social unrest. In the absence of a comprehensive strategy addressing the human security aspects of climate-induced migration, the potential for conflict over limited resources and opportunities escalates, further jeopardising the stability and safety of the population.

The lack of emphasis on non-conventional human security threats, particularly those related to climate change, gender-based violence and migration, underscores a critical gap in the current security paradigm. Redirecting focus towards understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change and gender-based violence on human security is not just an environmental imperative but also a crucial step in ensuring the overall resilience and well-being of the population.

The upcoming elections should be treated as a pivotal juncture where the nation’s destiny hangs in the balance. Politics must prioritise the integration of climate and gender considerations and redefine the narrative to ensure a resilient and equitable nation.

The writer is a freelance contributor