Pakistan is facing a severe inability to combat its climate vulnerabilities due to major financial constraints, a situation that is directly compounding poverty and food insecurity for its populace, experts warned at a seminar, according to International Islamic University Islamabad’s statement today.

The nation’s struggle to develop comprehensive environmental programs is being exacerbated by erratic rainfall and shifting monsoon patterns, creating a critical link between economic commitment and ecological survival.

The stark warnings were delivered during a seminar on ‘Climate Diplomacy and Climate Cooperation,’ organized by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Group of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in partnership with the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR).

Dr. Usman Mustafa, an expert on Climate and Food Security, underscored the gravity of the situation, remarking, ‘no green without green.’ He explained that environmental sustainability is impossible without significant economic investment, as poverty and food instability are worsened by the country”s changing weather phenomena.

Highlighting the global context, Dr. Amna Munawar, President of the Center for Climate Diplomacy, spoke on the worldwide challenges of climate change. She emphasized that while international cooperation is essential, Pakistan continues to face significant financial hurdles that prevent the implementation of effective programs to address its climate-related weaknesses.

In her opening address, Dr. Noor Fatima, Chairperson of the Department of Politics and International Relations at IIUI, pointed to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and widespread deforestation as primary drivers of accelerating greenhouse gas emissions. She stressed the urgent necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources and embracing sustainable practices to mitigate the escalating climate crisis.

Concluding the session, Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, issued a call for greater investment in technology-driven initiatives. He advocated for strengthened collaborative efforts among individuals, governments, and corporations to bolster climate diplomacy and create meaningful change. Dr. Afridi also extended his gratitude to the keynote speakers and acknowledged the contributions of session moderator Dr. Sarah Amir and focal person Dr. Maryam Siddiqa.