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LAHORE:
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Dr. Musadik Malik, said on Saturday that the global climate crisis should not only be seen as an environmental challenge, but as a failure of international cooperation and justice.
Dr. Speaking at a session on the second day of ThinkFest 2026 at the Alhamra Arts Council, Malik emphasized the need to move beyond isolated scientific research and adopt what he called “scientific diplomacy.”
He said science has the unique power to build bridges between nations, enabling cooperation through joint research and global projects despite political differences. “Science is the only language that remains universal,” he noted.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, the minister noted that the country contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions but remains among the worst hit by climate-related disasters. For developing countries, he said, scientific collaboration is a necessity for survival rather than a luxury.
The minister also called for global accountability and pointed out the imbalance between economic profits and environmental costs. He said countries that benefit most from carbon-intensive industries often face the least immediate consequences, while poorer nations bear the brunt of climate impacts.
“It is fundamentally wrong that profits are privatized by the few while the climate consequences are socialized among the many,” he said, calling for a global mechanism to hold high-emitting countries financially accountable.
Dr. Malik’s remarks were warmly received by the audience, positioning Pakistan as a strong voice for climate justice. He called on the international community to reshape global policies based on data and ethics to ensure a just and inclusive response to climate change.
