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Time Business News
27-07-2025
- Climate
- Time Business News
The Alarming Effects of Climate Change and Floods in Pakistan
Pakistan's northern regions host over 7,000 glaciers. Rising temperatures have accelerated melting at alarming rates, creating more than 3,000 glacial lakes. Around 33 have been classified as high-risk for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), endangering nearly 7 million residents in Gilgit-Baltistan and KP Human Rights WatchAl Jazeera+12PIDE+12AP News+12WikipediaTIME+2UNICEF USA+2Financial Times+2World Economic ForumIWA PublishingAl Jazeera+1TIME+1. Eruptions' from Pakistan's melting glaciers have tripled this year and are worsening floods | CNN In August 2022, national rainfall reached 192.7 mm—3.43 × average (56.2 mm). Sindh saw 8.3× normal, and Balochistan 6.9× average precipitation. Such extreme rainfall coupled with melting glaciers triggered the catastrophic floods From June to October 2022, floods displaced some 33 million people (~12‑15% of population), destroyed over 565,000 homes, damaged 1.15 million more, and caused estimated US$40 billion in losses and $15 billion economic impact. At least 1,760 people died Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1. In mid‑2025, flash floods—fueled by a heatwave reaching up to 48.5 °C and intense monsoon rains—killed over 200 people, including nearly 100 children, and injured hundreds in Punjab, KP, and Gilgit‑Baltistan. Rescue operations evacuated hundreds of stranded tourists AP News+5The Guardian+5Wikipedia+5. FILE – Homes are surrounded by floodwaters in Sohbat Pur city of Jaffarabad, a district of Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, Aug. 29, 2022. The U.N. weather agency is predicting the phenomenon known as La Nina is poised to last through the end of this year, a mysterious 'triple dip' — the first this century — caused by three straight years of its effect on climate patterns like drought and flooding worldwide. (AP Photo/Zahid Hussain, File) 13% of medical facilities destroyed; 15% of population lost access to basic healthcare. Malaria cases surged fivefold (over 2.6 million), ~41,000 dengue cases, and nearly 2,000 cholera cases by end‑2022 AP News+15PMC+15PMC+15. Malnutrition: In flood‑affected districts, one‑third of children aged 6–23 months had moderate acute malnutrition; 14% suffered from severe acute malnutrition by May 2023 PMC. People retrieve bamboos from a damaged house following rains and floods during the monsoon season in Dera Allah Yar, district Jafferabad, Balochistan, Pakistan August 25, 2022. REUTERS/Amer Hussain NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. Climate models show that 5‑day rainfall amounts in Sindh and Balochistan during 2022 floods were 75% higher due to climate change. Sixty‑day totals were 50% higher—a clear example of human amplification of natural extremes UNICEF USA+1#ThinkLandscape+1. Rapid glacial melt has formed unstable lakes. One‑third of projected river flows may decline over 50 years, while flood risk rises. Projected future flood peaks under SSP5‑8.5 scenario may reach 6,777 m³/s for 100‑year events IWA Publishing. Villagers wade through floodwaters in northern Pakistan as climate-driven monsoon rains and glacial melt submerge their homes — a haunting glimpse into the nation's unfolding climate crisis. Pakistan launched the 4RF framework—Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Framework—to build back stronger after the 2022 floods. At the 2023 International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, the country raised over US$10 billion, surpassing its target World Economic Forum+1Wikipedia+1. A joint UN‑WFP and Green Climate Fund project (US$9.8 million) now supports 1.6 million residents of Buner and Shangla with weather stations, river-level monitors, evacuation training, and improved institutional coordination for flood alerts The United Nations in Pakistan. Hydrological models forecast deeper floods—up to 48 m water depth under high emissions scenarios. Future flood volumes could exceed historic levels significantly, demanding targeted flood protection in high-risk zones IWA Publishing. Climate change, coupled with potential disruptions of the Indus Waters Treaty, threaten Pakistan's agriculture and hydropower. Millions already lost access to safe drinking water post‑2022 floods PMC+2TIME+2Al Jazeera+2. Restoring floodplains, reforestation, sustainable river management, and improving drainage systems can reduce flood risk while supporting biodiversity and livelihoods. Reconstructing resilient health infrastructure, training medical staff for flood outbreaks, and strengthening disease surveillance systems are vital. Early warning and preventive nutrition support can curb post-disaster famine and outbreaks. What caused the 2022 floods? Heavy monsoon rainfall (up to 8.3× average) and accelerated glacial melt triggered floods, worsened by climate change AP News+2The Guardian+2Human Rights Watch+2. How many people were affected in 2022? Approximately 33 million people affected; 1,760 deaths; over 1.7 million homes destroyed or damaged; US$40 billion in total damage Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1. Has flood intensity increased due to climate change? Yes. Extreme rainfall intensities in worst-hit regions increased by ~75%, and longer‑period rain totals by ~50% compared to pre‑industrial climate IWA Publishing+1Wikipedia+1. Are there more risks in 2025? Flash floods killed over 200 people in 2025, especially in Gilgit‑Baltistan and Punjab. The death toll is rising and underscores recurring climate threats Wikipedia+1AP News+1. What is the 4RF Plan? A post-flood framework to build resilient infrastructure—Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Framework—with global donor support of over US$10 billion World Economic Forum+1Wikipedia+1. How are floods expected to evolve in future? Inundation modeling predicts flood water levels rising from ~31 m historically to up to ~48 m under high emissions scenarios; demand deeper preparedness IWA Publishing. Indicator 2022 Data 2025 Update People affected ~33 million (~12‑15%) Tens of thousands evacuated, 200+ deaths WikipediaPMCThe GuardianWikipedia Fatalities 1,760 200+ (flash floods) Homes destroyed/damaged ~1.7 million Significant infrastructure collapse in northern regions Total damages US$40 billion Ongoing economic losses and rebuild costs Public health outcomes Malaria surge: 2.6M; cholera: ~2,000; dengue: ~41K Post‑flood injuries and health strain Climate intensification factor Rainfall 5‑day: +75%; 60‑day: +50% Continued risks under warming scenario Pakistan stands at the frontline of climate change's impact, with climate-induced floods devastating communities across the country. To confront this, urgent action is needed: Invest in early warning systems and nature-based flood mitigation . . Strengthen public health infrastructure to respond to post-disaster outbreaks. to respond to post-disaster outbreaks. Channel international funds toward climate resilience, not just recovery . . Support loss-and-damage mechanisms to deliver climate justice. Only a coordinated mix of science-based planning, grassroots adaptation, and equitable international support can protect Pakistan's people and future. Learn more about Pakistan's Integrated Climate Risk Management projects and resilience initiatives in the linked project overview or government resilience pages. I was motivated to write this article by my professor, Professor Dr. Sobia Masood , Chairperson of Psychology Department, Rawalpindi Women University, whose encouragement inspired me to explore the topics continue writing. Her support reminded me that our words can spark awareness, empathy, and change. I hope this piece contributes to that purpose. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Military and diplomatic: ‘India under intense mental stress after facing repeated failures'
KARACHI: The Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, the President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the President of All Karachi Industrial Alliance, the Chairman of the FPCCI Advisory Board, Mian Zahid Hussain, said that Indian PM Narendra Modi and his team is under intense mental stress after facing repeated military and diplomatic failures. He stated that the collapse of India's false narrative, it's deteriorating internal political situation, serious human rights violations, and atrocities against minorities, including the Kashmiri Muslims and Dalits, have drawn open criticism from several European nations and international human rights organizations, further damaging India's global standing. He said that the Modi government, in an attempt to garner cheap popularity and divert global attention from internal crises such as the farmers' movement and rising inflation, is preparing for another attack on Pakistan. A new false flag operation could be staged to justify this aggression. According to a recent UN report, more than 3,600 political arrests were made in India in 2024, highlighting the severity of its internal conditions. Mian Zahid Hussain warned that if India launches another attack on Pakistan, the response will be so severe that the world will forget the Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. He said that attempts to increase ratings without capability will cost both Modi and India dearly. He emphasized that the morale and training of Pakistan's armed forces are not only high but, according to the 2023 Global Firepower Report, Pakistan's military ranks as the ninth-largest and one of the most organized in the world. Mian Zahid Hussain added that the recent speech by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has made it clear that Pakistan is at a decisive stage in its war against terrorism, and India aims to sabotage this progress. In recent years, India has attempted two military incursions, both of which were repelled entirely by Pakistan, which proved Pakistan's military capability and caused significant international embarrassment for India. He further stated that global powers must not remain silent. If India turns South Asia into a battlefield, the consequences will be felt worldwide, affecting not only humanitarian but also economic and geopolitical aspects. South Asia houses 25 percent of the world's population, and a conflict between two nuclear powers in this region would pose an unimaginable threat to global peace. He demanded that the Kashmir dispute be resolved immediately, and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty must be stopped, as lasting peace can only be achieved through a just political solution. He said that the recent 18 percent increase in Pakistan's defense budget is a clear indication that we are not willing to compromise on our security. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Businessman says community optimistic about budget prospects
KARACHI: The Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, the President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the President of All Karachi Industrial Alliance, the Chairman of the FPCCI Advisory Board, and the President and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, said that the business community has high expectations from the new budget. He said that amid an ongoing economic crisis, high inflation, and widespread unemployment, the public is looking to the government for a budget that offers meaningful relief, enabling the industrial and trade sectors to move toward stability, ease of doing business, and growth. He said that the private sector seeks a budget that promotes investment, lowers production costs, broadens the tax base, boosts exports, eliminates the trade deficit, and helps the economy function at full strength. At the same time, an increase in the defence budget is essential. Concrete measures must also be introduced to promote austerity, control unnecessary spending, and curb corruption. Mian Zahid Hussain said the Pakistani economy has been under pressure for several years. While measures taken under IMF conditions helped Pakistan avoid default, they also burdened the population with unemployment and inflation. Given these circumstances, the new budget must combine public relief with structural economic reforms. He added that unnecessary subsidies should be eliminated, tax exemptions must be reviewed, government expenditures must be curtailed, and failing state-owned enterprises should be privatized. Mian Zahid Hussain emphasized that agriculture, IT, exports, and the SME sector must be prioritized for support so that they can generate jobs and strengthen the economy. Operationalizing special economic zones, ensuring uninterrupted and affordable energy supply, and improving infrastructure should also be priorities. He further stated that the budget should not be viewed merely as a tool for increasing revenue but rather as a means of promoting public welfare, industrial progress, and poverty reduction. Without a sustainable economic vision and a clear roadmap, temporary steps will yield no long-term benefits. He emphasized that the people of Pakistan have already made many sacrifices, and the time has come to offer them relief. If the government presents a well-directed and thoughtful budget, it will not only contribute to economic stability but will also help restore public confidence and bring political stability. Mian Zahid Hussain underscored the need for national consensus, wisdom, and foresight to steer the economy forward. All this is possible through a balanced, comprehensive, and people-friendly budget. He concluded by saying that if economic policies are continued without disruption, an investor-friendly environment is created, undue pressure on industrialists is alleviated, and the tax system is simplified and made fair, both domestic and foreign investment will increase. Taxpayers should be respected, and non-filers should be encouraged to bring themselves into the legal framework. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
