Minister urges scientists to help tackle climate, economic challenges

Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has expressed concern that Pakistan’s scientific community is not contributing enough to national development and urged scientists, researchers and engineers to address pressing issues in agriculture, climate, environment, health and other critical sectors. “In addition to the economic crisis we are currently facing, we are also grappling with the devastating effects of climate change from droughts and heatwaves to super floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), smog, and other natural disasters that have paralysed us as a nation. This is a crucial time for our scientific community, especially the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, to provide solutions to our issues on a daily basis.” The symposium, titled “Climate Change and Health & Development Consequences in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities”, was organised by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (AKU IGHD) in collaboration with the PAS and the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP). The event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the impacts of climate change on Pakistan’s health, agriculture, food security, development, and economic sectors, and explore indigenous and innovative strategies moving forward.