ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik has cautioned that Pakistan is already bearing severe human and economic costs due to delayed climate action. He was speaking at a panel discussion titled “Climate Resilience: Who Pays the Price for Delay?” organised by the Pakistan Business Council.
Malik highlighted the staggering toll of climate-induced disasters, noting that around 4,700 people have lost their lives in the last four major floods — a number exceeding casualties from any war in Pakistan’s history. Nearly 18,000 individuals have suffered injuries or permanent disabilities, while more than 3 million people have been displaced.
He stressed that the cost of climate change extends far beyond financial losses, affecting education, livelihoods, public health, and social stability. Pakistan, he added, loses nearly 9.5% of its GDP every year due to flood-related damages and disruptions, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and climate-smart policies.
