Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Masood Malik addressed the 4th Pakistan Climate Conference 2026 in Karachi, warning that climate change has become a form of “natural terrorism” for Pakistan.
He stated that while Pakistan achieves a 3–4 percent growth rate, recurring floods erase 7–10 percent of GDP at regular intervals. Beyond economic losses, he highlighted the severe human cost, noting that over 6,000 people have lost their lives in recent floods, with 40 million displaced, including 20 million children forced out of school.
Dr. Malik emphasized that climate disasters push entire generations back into poverty, adversely affecting GDP, education, and social stability. He criticized global climate inaction, pointing out that a small group of countries produces the majority of carbon emissions, while developing nations bear the consequences.
He further noted that so-called green financing often translates into loans, and repurposed loans frequently mean diverting funds originally meant for health and education toward reconstruction and debt servicing.
Stressing the importance of adaptation, he said that while floods may not be fully prevented, their impact can be significantly reduced through better planning, protection of natural flood paths, mangroves and forests, aquifer recharge, and the preservation of clean rivers.
Outlining a three-pillar strategy—restoring existing resources, expanding current infrastructure, and building new climate-resilient systems—Dr. Malik called on industries to invest in youth-led green innovations. He announced that youth-driven climate solutions and a Virtual Green University will be launched after Eid to promote sustainable ideas and climate action.
