Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, addressed a conference organized by the World wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to commemorate 25 years of conservation efforts for the Indus River Dolphin.
In his address, Dr. Musadik Malik warned that rising temperatures and accelerating glacier melt are direct consequences of unchecked pollution and climate change. He expressed grave concern over the deteriorating water quality of River Ravi, stating that it has become so polluted that it is no longer fit for agricultural use, let alone for drinking purposes.
The Federal Minister further stated that the economic losses from recent floods have surpassed 9.5 percent of Pakistan’s GDP. However, he emphasized that the human cost of these climate-induced disasters is far more devastating. He revealed that over 4,700 people have lost their lives, and more than 17,000 people have been left disabled in the last four major floods, a toll exceeding the casualties of any single war in the country’s history.
Dr. Malik appreciated WWF’s long-standing efforts in conserving the Indus River Dolphin and reaffirmed the full support of the Ministry. He stated that the Government of Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with WWF and remains committed to close cooperation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability.
He concluded by underscoring that saving the Indus River Dolphin is not merely an environmental responsibility but a moral duty, calling it “a matter of protecting life and humanity.”
