One of the worst climate catastrophes in Pakistan's history is affecting Gilgit-Baltistan, the stunning center of the country's northern mountains. More than 12 people have died in recent floods and 9 are injured ,landslides brought on by rapid glacial melting and heavy monsoon rains. Communities that have resided in these valleys for generations now face unfathomable devastation, and whole families have been uprooted. The extent of the devastation is concerning; the majority of the area's productive farmland has been washed away, severely impairing local food production and endangering long-term food security. In a couple of days, crops that provided thousands of people with a living were destroyed, depriving farmers of their revenue and communities of food.
The destruction is not limited to agriculture. Important infrastructure has been totally destroyed, including a number of important bridges and significant stretches of the Karakoram Highway. These highways are essential for providing emergency relief in addition to being lifelines for trade and tourism. Rescue efforts have stalled as a result of transport routes being shut off, and many isolated villages are still inaccessible. The issue is getting worse due to the loss of connectivity, which is delaying the timely delivery of food, medical assistance, and evacuation help.
This climate disaster emphasizes how urgently the government must act. A state of emergency must be proclaimed right away by the Gilgit-Baltistan administration in consultation with the national government. A declaration of this kind will enable the quick deployment of disaster response teams, the mobilization of resources, and the distribution of emergency funding. Additionally, it will make it easier for foreign climate relief agencies and humanitarian groups to provide more aid. Delaying this action puts the area at risk for further fatalities, severe hunger, and long-term economic collapse.
With more than 7,200 glaciers that feed the Indus River and support millions of people downstream, Gilgit-Baltistan is more than simply an isolated mountain area; it is Pakistan's water tower. The entire nation is affected when its infrastructure and ecosystems are destroyed. This is a national emergency in addition to a localized one. The frequency and severity of these calamities will increase as climate change accelerates. It is morally required to declare an emergency in order to save lives, maintain livelihoods, and defend Pakistan's environment and economic future.
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