Pakistan has suffered a staggering $100 billion loss due to climate change over the past two decades, nearly equaling the country’s external debt of around $130 billion.
Experts highlighted these figures during a session on “Environmental Conflict and Social Dialogue in Pakistan,” organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), where they discussed the economic and social impacts of environmental degradation.
At the session moderated by Dr. Zainab Ahmed of Beaconhouse National University, speakers noted that environmental damage is exacerbating Pakistan’s economic challenges.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized that environmental conflicts threaten the country’s security, as future conflicts may center around clean water and air. Dr. Ahmed also raised concerns about agricultural land being repurposed for housing, which could impact the country’s food security, and urged for an institutional approach to prevent further deforestation.
The speakers linked environmental stability to social peace, with Prof. Dr. Arshi Saleem Hashmi of the National Defence University stating that environmental issues affect every segment of society. Imrana Tiwana highlighted that climate change already impacts 8% of Pakistan’s GDP, a figure projected to reach 30% by 2050.
Saqib Basir from Muslim Aid Pakistan reported that natural disasters linked to climate change have wiped out 70-80% of the country’s development gains, a severe setback for Pakistan’s efforts to grow its economy. Prof. Rafi Amirud Din of COMSATS University added that prior efforts to reduce single-use plastic bag usage through bans had minimal effect, underscoring the need for more comprehensive environmental policies.
Another session, focused on mercury pollution, shed light on the health risks posed by skin-lightening products with high mercury content. Moderated by Dr. Razia Safdar from the SDPI, the session revealed that Pakistan’s cosmetic industry contributes around 55% of mercury pollution. Although Pakistan signed the Minamata Convention, banning cosmetics with mercury concentrations over 1PPM, enforcement remains a challenge. Director of NEQS, PEPA, Dr. Zaigham Abbas stated that, out of 59 samples of skin-whitening creams tested, only three complied with the regulations.
Speakers, including dermatologists and environmental policymakers, agreed on the urgent need to control mercury pollution and improve public awareness. Brig. Dr. Naeem Raza from the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists noted that the widespread use of mercury-laden cosmetics stems from weak implementation of existing laws, while PSQCA’s Khawaja Mohiuddin highlighted the lack of standard testing labs for contaminated products and absence of regulations for online cosmetic sales.
With climate-related losses mounting and mercury pollution posing grave health risks, experts urged stronger regulations and enforcement to mitigate these environmental and health challenges.
