Prime Minister’s Address on Glaciers Humanity’s Survival is Linked to Glacier Conservation Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stresses the urgent need for serious, coordinated, and effective actions to prevent the further melting of glaciers in his address at a high-level event on glacier protection. Baku, November 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the critical need for serious, coordinated, and effective measures to protect glaciers, stating that humanity’s survival is tied to the protection of glaciers. He emphasized that glaciers are a major source of water, and preventing their further melting requires coordinated efforts and regional cooperation. To ensure the sustainable protection of glaciers, countries need to strengthen their capabilities for data sharing and standardized monitoring. Pakistan is ready to work with the international community in this regard. Speaking at a high-level event hosted by Tajikistan on Tuesday, addressing actions for the protection of glaciers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Tajik president’s initiative to organize this important meeting, where delegations from around the world, especially from this region, are contributing effectively to stop the rapid melting of glaciers. The Prime Minister said that on the occasion of the International Year for Glacier Protection, a clear message should be sent that the focus must be on reducing glacier melting rather than glacier retreat, in order to protect vital ecosystems and secure sustainable water resources for the future. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan is home to a vast number of glaciers, and preventing the damage to these resources is critical for the country. He explained that glaciers are a lifeline for millions of people around the world, providing 70% of the world’s fresh water. Pakistan has over 7,000 glaciers, which contribute 60% to 80% of the water in the Indus River, essential for the country’s agriculture, which relies on 90% of its water supply from glaciers, benefiting 200 million people. He pointed out that glaciers have shrunk by 23% since 1960, leading to rising temperatures and the rapid melting of glaciers, which have caused the formation of over 3,000 lakes in Pakistan’s northern regions, 33 of which are at risk of flooding, threatening countless lives. This is a concerning situation requiring immediate action. The Prime Minister stated that the “Glacier 2025 Initiative” is a unique effort to draw global attention to this crisis, stressing that coordinated efforts are needed to prevent further glacier melting. He emphasized that regional cooperation is key to safeguarding these vital resources and preventing the melting of glaciers. In this regard, strengthening data sharing and standardized monitoring of glaciers is necessary. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif added that Pakistan needs increased support for glacier monitoring programs, early warning systems, alternative water storage solutions, and other initiatives. He reiterated that Pakistan is ready to work with the international community to protect these natural resources, urging all countries to unite and take decisive actions for the protection of glaciers, humanity, and the future of the Earth