Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has underscored the urgent need for the effective and timely use of space technology to protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
Addressing the inaugural session of an international conference held in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, the Federal Minister said that satellite-based information and early warning systems could significantly reduce loss of life and economic damage caused by natural disasters, including cyclones, floods and glacial melting.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the disproportionate burden Pakistan faces from climate change despite contributing less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Referring to the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025, he said Pakistan had suffered enormous economic losses, exceeding $30 billion. He expressed concern that, despite the scale of the devastation, international partners and financial institutions had failed to provide adequate new grant financing for reconstruction and recovery, instead proposing the repurposing of previously approved loans for education and health. He termed this approach inconsistent with the principles of climate justice.
The Federal Minister called for urgent reforms in the international financial architecture established after the Second World War, emphasizing that developing countries disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters must receive fair and accessible financial assistance. He stressed that vulnerable nations should not be pushed further into debt to address a crisis they have contributed little to creating.
Highlighting Pakistan's progress in space technology, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the country had successfully launched five satellites over the past 18 months, reflecting its growing commitment to strengthening national capabilities in space science and technology. He also announced that Pakistan was preparing to send its first astronaut into space in the near future.
He emphasized that space-based information must become an integral part of national development planning, particularly in the design and construction of critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads and hospitals. Incorporating satellite data and risk assessments into development projects, he said, would help improve resilience, reduce vulnerabilities and ensure more sustainable investments.
The Federal Minister outlined key priorities for strengthening the practical application of space technology, including integrating space-based data into government decision-making, improving secure information-sharing mechanisms among institutions, and investing in human resource development. He particularly stressed the need to create greater opportunities for young people, especially women, in space science and geospatial technologies.
Ahsan Iqbal further emphasized the importance of fair climate financing, calling for grant-based assistance rather than debt-creating loans for countries suffering the consequences of climate change. He also urged greater regional cooperation and the exchange of information on shared rivers, mountain systems and climate-related risks to improve preparedness and strengthen collective disaster response.
He noted that natural disasters transcend national boundaries and that timely access to reliable information, supported by regional collaboration, could significantly improve early warning, preparedness and emergency response.
Concluding his address, the Federal Minister expressed hope that the conference would produce practical and actionable recommendations to harness space technology for protecting human lives, mitigating the impact of natural disasters and advancing sustainable development. He subsequently formally inaugurated the conference.
