ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has stressed the need for Pakistan to adopt modern agricultural technology and effective decision-making to address the challenges of climate change.
In his inaugural address at the Regional Dialogue 2024 on “Climate Crisis: Shaping South Asia’s Resilience,” organised by the Institute of Regional Studies, Tuesday, President Alvi highlighted the country’s abundance of natural resources, including water and renewable energy potential.
He said that Pakistan, with approximately 150 million acre-feet of water, could meet its needs through the adoption of modern agricultural techniques such as spray and drip irrigation, moving away from flood irrigation.
He stressed the importance of implementing the national water policy and relevant legislation, suggesting that a pricing mechanism could lead to water conservation. He expressed concern over the criminal waste of around 400 million gallons per day of water in Karachi, drained into the sea through sewerage.
President Alvi also addressed environmental issues in the fishing industry, pointing out the use of prohibited nets by fishermen, resulting in a loss of marine life, and restrictions on fish imports from Pakistan by Europe. He cited examples of the Netherlands and Vietnam, showcasing their success in agriculture and fisheries despite limited resources compared to Pakistan.
The president urged the adoption of modern agriculture technology to make Pakistan a major global food supplier. He commended Pakistan’s successful approach to fighting COVID-19 through data-based strategies and national unity, suggesting that the world could follow the country’s example.
President Alvi praised the role of think tanks in conducting research and urged them to effectively market their findings to benefit policymakers. He highlighted the unprecedented progress in technology while expressing concern about the decline in human intellectual power. He observed that vested interests were influencing global affairs, undermining humanitarian values.
Ambassador Nadeem Riaz, the President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in his introductory remarks, described the Regional Dialogue as the institute’s annual flagship event.
He emphasised the IRS’s focus on regional countries, cyber security, and challenges facing South Asia.
He highlighted the vulnerability of South Asia to climate change threats affecting ecosystems, food security, and energy. Established in 1982, the IRS collaborates nationally and internationally, providing insights to policymakers and strategists through research work.
