Pakistan’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating desertification and drought, with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasizing the need to protect the country’s natural ecosystems, according to official statements released on Wednesday.
What is driving Pakistan’s focus on desertification and drought?
Desertification and drought have increasingly threatened Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and water security, with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reporting that 80% of the country’s land is vulnerable to degradation. The Environment Ministry cited climate change, unsustainable land use, and deforestation as key factors exacerbating the crisis. “Pakistan’s ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure,” said Environment Minister Shaukat Aziz, citing data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
How is Pakistan planning to address the issue?
The government has outlined a multi-pronged strategy, including rangeland restoration, afforestation, and community-based water management. A key component is the restoration of rangelands, which cover over 40% of Pakistan’s land area. “Rangelands are not just grazing areas—they are critical for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and livelihoods,” said Dr. Ayesha Malik, a senior ecologist at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. The Ministry of Environment has partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to implement pilot projects in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What role is IUCN playing in Pakistan’s efforts?
The IUCN has been actively involved in promoting sustainable land management practices, particularly in regions prone to desertification. On the occasion of the 2026 Desertification and Drought Day, the organization highlighted the importance of rangeland conservation, noting that degraded pastures contribute to 30% of Pakistan’s soil erosion. “Pastoral communities are often the first to feel the impact of land degradation,” said IUCN Pakistan Country Director Imran Khan. “Their knowledge and practices must be integrated into national strategies.”
Why do rangelands matter for Pakistan’s economy and environment?
Rangelands support 60% of Pakistan’s livestock population, which contributes 12% to the country’s GDP. However, overgrazing and land conversion for agriculture have led to severe degradation. A 2023 World Bank report found that restoring 1 million hectares of rangeland could generate $2.5 billion in economic benefits over a decade. “Restoration isn’t just environmental—it’s economic resilience,” said economist Tariq Hussain.
What challenges remain in Pakistan’s fight against desertification?
Despite these efforts, experts warn that funding gaps and policy implementation delays could hinder progress. The Ministry of Environment estimates that $500 million is needed annually for large-scale restoration, but only 20% of that is currently allocated. Additionally, conflicting land-use policies between federal and provincial governments have created regulatory hurdles. “Coordination is the biggest challenge,” said Dr. Farhan Qureshi, a political scientist specializing in environmental policy.
What’s next for Pakistan’s environmental strategy?
The government plans to launch a national desertification action plan by 2024, aligning with the UNCCD’s Sustainable Development Goals. International donors, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, have pledged support, though funding remains conditional on transparent implementation. As climate change intensifies, Pakistan’s ability to balance development with ecological preservation will be critical to its long-term stability.