Governor Kundi calls climate change a major economic & humanitarian crisis

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday termed climate change a serious global challenge, saying it was no longer merely an environmental issue but had evolved into an economic, social and humanitarian crisis

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday termed climate change a serious global challenge, saying it was no longer merely an environmental issue but had evolved into an economic, social and humanitarian crisis.

Addressing a conference on “Climate Justice” as the chief guest at the Governor's House, he said Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global pollution, remained among the countries most severely affected by climate-related disasters.

The conference was attended by former Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Kiramatullah Khan Chagharmatti, Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, organizer Muhammad Bilal Sethi, vice chancellors of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University and Women University Mardan, Prof Dr Safia Ahmed and Prof Dr Razia Sultana, Director IM Sciences Dr Usman Ghani, climate experts and students.

Experts at the conference presented suggestions and recommendations to tackle the growing climate crisis.

Governor Kundi said the devastating floods of 2022 had exposed the severity of climate challenges before the world, adding that Pakistan was facing serious threats, including water scarcity, glacier melting, floods and droughts.

He said climate change had emerged as a major threat to Pakistan’s economy, food security and sustainable development.

Stressing the need for transition towards a green economy, he said investment in renewable energy and green industries would not only improve the environment but also create new employment opportunities.

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The Governor termed youth the real strength behind Pakistan’s sustainable and green future, saying that as two-thirds of the country’s population comprised young people, equipping them with green skills had become essential.

He said youth were actively contributing in the fields of environmental awareness, technology and innovation, and must be given a central role in future climate policies.

He urged the international community to ensure fair access for developing countries to modern technologies and climate funds, adding that climate risks should also be viewed in the context of global peace and human security.

Governor Kundi said the conference should serve as a platform for practical measures, partnerships and effective policymaking to help build an environmentally resilient, economically stable and socially equitable Pakistan.

He also reaffirmed that the doors of the Governor's House would remain open for positive and sustainable initiatives, assuring continued support for environmental protection and sustainable development.

Muhammad Bilal Sethi thanked the Governor for hosting the conference on such an important issue and highlighted its significance.

At the end of the event, the Governor distributed shields among participants and certificates among organizers, while Bilal Sethi presented a souvenir to the Governor.