ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye held talks aimed at forging a strategic partnership on climate resilience, flood management and water security ahead of the COP31 summit in Antalya later this year, Pakistan’s climate change ministry said on Friday.
Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected by climate change, where heavy rainfall, flooding and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have repeatedly caused widespread devastation.
A high-level delegation led by Turkish official Maruf Aras met Climate Change Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani. The officials discussed integrated flood and river basin management, glacier and avalanche risk reduction, multi-hazard early warning systems, combating desertification and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern,” Moriani was quoted as saying. “It is an immediate challenge affecting economies, livelihoods and national security.”
“Pakistan values Türkiye’s technical expertise and brotherly support as we work together to build resilient communities, strengthen disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable ecosystems,” she added.
The Pakistani official highlighted that climate change had evolved into a major economic and security challenge requiring coordinated global and regional responses.
The development comes as Pakistan works to combat the impacts of climate change.
Last year, at least 1,000 people were killed in Pakistan when intense monsoon rains and excess water released from Indian dams triggered flash floods in much of the country.
During the meeting, Aras reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan on sustainable land management, water governance and climate adaptation.
“Türkiye considers Pakistan a trusted partner in regional climate action,” he was quoted as saying.
“By combining technical knowledge, innovation and institutional collaboration, both countries can develop sustainable solutions to confront floods, droughts, desertification and other climate-induced risks,” he added.
