Azad Kashmir’s Glaciers Melting Rapidly, Experts Warn of Impending Crisis on World Glacier Day

As the world marks World Glacier Day, experts have raised urgent concerns about the alarming rate at which glaciers in Azad Kashmir are melting, highlighting the catastrophic impact of climate change. Azad Kashmir, home to 224 glaciers covering an area of 109 square kilometers, is witnessing accelerated melting, particularly in the Neelum Valley.

Dr. Sardar Muhammad Rafiq, a prominent climate change expert, warned that the glaciers in Azad Kashmir are melting faster than those in many other parts of the world. He attributed this to a significant rise in the region’s temperature, which has increased by more than two degrees Celsius over the last 60 years, a rate higher than the global average.

“If this trend continues, there is a risk that all glaciers in Azad Kashmir will disappear within the next 50 years,” Dr. Rafiq cautioned, adding that the loss of these glaciers would have severe consequences for the region’s water supply. Around 80% of Azad Kashmir’s clean water comes from these glaciers, making their preservation critical for sustaining life in the region.

The experts have called for immediate action to safeguard these essential ice reserves, stressing the need for special measures to combat the ongoing effects of climate change.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion of World Glacier Day, emphasized the importance of glaciers in sustaining life on Earth. In his message, he stated that glaciers are vital for ensuring clean water supply and maintaining ecological balance. He warned that if glaciers continue to melt, it would put countless lives at risk, particularly in countries like Pakistan that rely heavily on glacial meltwater.

“Glaciers are a guarantee of life on Earth, and if they disappear, many communities will lose their source of water,” PM Shehbaz said. He pointed out that Pakistan is home to more than 13,000 glaciers, but over 10,000 of them are melting rapidly due to global warming. This not only threatens the country’s water supply but also increases the risk of floods and droughts, as seen in the devastating 2022 floods that caused $30 billion in damages.

PM Shehbaz Sharif called on the international community to support countries like Pakistan in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and to take immediate steps to protect glaciers globally.