Pakistani Scientists Must Provide Solutions to National Problems, Says Planning Minister

Today, at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary , addressed a symposium on "Climate Change and Health Development Consequences in Pakistan." The event, organized in collaboration with Aga Khan University , brought together experts, scientists, and policymakers to discuss the pressing challenges posed by climate change and their far-reaching impacts on health and development in Pakistan.

During his address, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the severe challenges Pakistan faces due to #climate_change, drawing attention to the devastating floods of 2022, which caused losses exceeding $30 billion, primarily in the country's most vulnerable regions. Despite Pakistan's minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, the country bears the brunt of climate-induced disasters. The Minister stressed that nearly 95% of the restoration burden following the floods was borne by Pakistan, with limited international support due to the global focus on the Ukraine war.

Prof. Iqbal underscored the importance of learning from these experiences and preparing for future climate-related threats. He noted the ongoing impact of extreme weather on #agriculture, including the damage to #cotton crops, which is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s textile industry. The Minister expressed concerns over the potential risks posed by the rapid melting of glaciers and the recurrent issue of smog during winters, which paralyzes entire regions.

Acknowledging the role of human ingenuity in overcoming such challenges, Prof. Iqbal called for a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving. He emphasized the need for collaboration across various fields of science and technology, noting that no single discipline holds the solution to these complex issues. He urged the Pakistan Academy of Sciences to play a pivotal role in this regard by bringing together the country’s top scientists to develop solutions that integrate science and technology with economic development.

Reflecting on the initiatives taken during his tenure, Prof. Iqbal recalled the inception of the "Vision 2010" project and the successful implementation of the Teachers Researchers Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which aimed to enhance the country’s human resource capacity in science and technology. He urged the Pakistan Academy of Sciences to build on this legacy by fostering research that directly addresses national challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change, health, agriculture, and industry.

Prof. Iqbal also highlighted the need for greater integration between research institutions and the national development agenda. He called on the Academy to become the most vibrant institution in Pakistan, actively contributing to policy-making by providing evidence-based solutions to the country's most pressing problems.

In concluding his remarks, Prof. Iqbal emphasized the importance of national unity and collaboration across all sectors, including academia, the private sector, and civil society, to overcome the challenges facing Pakistan. He assured the audience of the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the scientific community and reiterated the need for a serious, concerted effort to ensure peace, stability, and sustained development in Pakistan.

The symposium marked a significant step in aligning scientific research with national priorities, as the country braces for the ongoing and future impacts of climate change on its economy and the health of its people.