LAHORE: Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik has called on Pakistan’s future civil servants to place climate resilience, adaptation planning, and inter-ministerial coordination at the heart of public administration, emphasizing that climate change has evolved into a governance challenge requiring strong institutions and informed policymaking.
Addressing probationary officers of the 54th Common Training Programme (CTP) at the Civil Services Academy (CSA), the minister presented a data-driven assessment of global climate inequality, highlighting Pakistan’s disproportionate exposure to climate risks despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The policy dialogue, organized by the Environment and Community Development Society of the 54th CTP, was aimed at strengthening the understanding of climate-responsive governance among Pakistan’s future civil servants.
In his keynote address, Dr. Malik underscored the imbalance between responsibility for climate change and its consequences, noting that a small number of countries account for the majority of global emissions while developing nations continue to face the most severe environmental and economic impacts.
“Just three countries are responsible for 57% of global emissions, and 10 countries account for 75%. Yet developing countries like Pakistan bear the brunt of these catastrophic environmental changes,” he said.
The minister stressed that climate change should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental concern, but as a critical governance issue with far-reaching implications for economic planning, infrastructure development, water security, agriculture, disaster management, and public welfare.
He urged the probationary officers to integrate climate considerations into policymaking throughout their careers, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning, institutional capacity, and evidence-based decision-making to address increasingly complex environmental challenges.
Referring to regional water security, Dr. Malik highlighted the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a cornerstone of international cooperation.
“The Indus Waters Treaty is not just a piece of paper. If this treaty does not hold, then no treaty in the world is worth the weight of the paper on which it is printed,” he remarked.
Speaking about environmental initiatives, the minister said Islamabad has achieved net-positive afforestation, with the number of trees planted now exceeding those removed. He added that plantation efforts in the federal capital are expected to expand significantly in the coming years, further strengthening the city’s environmental resilience.
Dr. Malik concluded by emphasizing that effective climate governance will depend on responsive institutions, informed leadership, and the ability of public officials to integrate sustainability into every aspect of national development and public policy.
