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ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged Pakistanis to make environmental protection and climate resilience a national priority, saying the country remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite contributing only a small share to global greenhouse gas emissions. In a message on X marking World Environment Day, Sharif said Pakistan stood with the international community in reaffirming its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. &quot;The preservation of our environment is a shared global responsibility,&quot; the prime minister said, emphasizing that international cooperation and sustained commitment are essential to securing an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient future. Referring to this year&#39;s World Environment Day theme, &quot;Climate Action,&quot; Sharif said urgent and coordinated global efforts are needed to address growing environmental challenges. He pointed to devastating floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heatwaves, melting glaciers, water scarcity and worsening air pollution as evidence that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting millions of people worldwide. Pakistan has repeatedly ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has suffered significant human and economic losses from extreme weather events in recent years. Sharif said the government remains committed to expanding renewable energy, restoring forests, conserving biodiversity, improving water resource management, reducing pollution, advancing climate-smart agriculture and promoting green industries. He added that efforts are also underway to restore natural ecosystems and strengthen environmental sustainability across the country. The prime minister highlighted the role of young people in addressing climate challenges, saying their energy, innovation and capabilities would be critical in building a greener and more resilient Pakistan. &quot;By equipping them with knowledge, technology and opportunities, we can cultivate environmental awareness and lay the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous society,&quot; he said. Sharif called on citizens, institutions, farmers and business stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support conservation efforts.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062715505996423407&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 794px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> He stressed the importance of water and energy conservation, afforestation and wildlife protection, urging Pakistanis to renew their commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. &quot;Let us reiterate our shared resolve to build a greener, healthier, cleaner and climate-resilient Pakistan,&quot; he said. President on World Environment DayPresident Asif Ali Zardari in a message on X, on Friday, reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to international cooperation on climate and environmental issues. He said &#39;We will continue to support efforts aimed at ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient development.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062835053449892255&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 873px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on climate crisisIn a message issued on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan joined the international community in recognizing the urgent need to protect the planet and strengthen collective efforts to address the climate crisis. Dar noted that Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing recurring floods, accelerating glacial melt, droughts, heat waves and growing water stress. Despite these challenges, he said the country has continued to demonstrate resilience.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2062780831492407473&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4bdf8d0a6df81ffc385a606156c16a883ac24bb7&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 901px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Dar also expressed appreciation to Azerbaijan for hosting this year&rsquo;s World Environment Day, commending the country&rsquo;s leadership in promoting international cooperation and constructive dialogue on global environmental issues.

Natural landscape of Pakistan - (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Climate & Environment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks World Environment Day by urging Pakistanis to prioritize climate action, environmental protection and sustainability amid growing climate challenges.

On World Environment Day, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sustainability

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;As Afghanistan marked World Environment Day on Friday, growing climate and environmental challenges continued to weigh heavily on communities across the country, causing serious risks to livelihoods, food security, and long-term social stability, according to a report by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).&nbsp; Years of drought, worsening water scarcity and extreme weather events have left millions vulnerable, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains the primary source of income.&nbsp; More than half of Afghanistan&rsquo;s population is affected by prolonged dry periods, according to local assessments, with farmers reporting repeated crop failures and shrinking access to water. In the eastern province of Nangarhar, residents say increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting traditional farming practices and deepening economic hardship. &ldquo;Our river has become unpredictable. Last year, it dried when we needed it most; this year it flooded and destroyed half of our crops,&rdquo; said a farmer in Goshta district, describing the uncertainty facing rural communities. The situation is especially severe in Afghanistan&rsquo;s southern provinces, including Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Zabul and Uruzgan, where recurrent drought, declining rainfall and unregulated groundwater extraction have pushed water systems toward collapse. Rivers are drying up, traditional irrigation systems have deteriorated, and many communities are drilling deeper wells in search of water, often with limited success.&nbsp; The consequences have been far-reaching, reducing agricultural production, limiting access to safe drinking water and forcing some families to leave their homes in search of reliable water sources. Increasingly scarce resources Competition over increasingly scarce resources has become a tension in some areas. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, parts of the region could become difficult to inhabit. Proposed solutions include expanding water-efficient irrigation systems, improving water management practices and investing in groundwater recharge projects. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, communities are confronting a different set of climate-related challenges. In western provinces such as Ghor and Farah, prolonged drought has coincided with destructive flash floods caused by intense rainfall.&nbsp; Residents have struggled to cope with water shortages while rebuilding homes, farmland and infrastructure damaged by flooding. Floods are also becoming more frequent and unpredictable in central and eastern provinces, including Logar, Parwan and Kapisa.&nbsp; In the south, strong winds and dust storms have damaged crops and contributed to respiratory illnesses, adding to humanitarian needs. Environmental degradation Environmental degradation is further intensifying the crisis. Deforestation in Kunar, Nuristan and Logar has lessened natural protection against floods and landslides, while overgrazing in mountainous regions such as Badakhshan has accelerated ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Unregulated mining activities have also damaged landscapes and polluted water sources. Urban areas face their own environmental challenges. In Kabul, air pollution remains a serious public health concern, particularly during winter months when many households rely on low-quality fuels for heating. Poor waste management continues to exacerbate the problem. In provinces known for their natural beauty, including Panjshir, Kapisa and Maidan Wardak, growing tourism has increased pressure on local ecosystems, with waste accumulating in rivers and valleys. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, seeks to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development worldwide.

Afghanistan climate crisis deepens as communities scale up environmental action- (Photo: UNAMA)

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is facing escalating climate and environmental crises prompting urgent calls for sustainable adaptation and resilience measures.

Articles tagged with "World Environment Day"

On World Environment Day, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sustainability

Afghanistan faces escalating climate crisis as communities mark World Environment Day: UNAMA

On World Environment Day, Pakistan reaffirms commitment to sustainability