Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister for Climate Change and Coordination of Pakistan, delivered a detailed statement at the High-Level World Water Day event. He frames water as nature, humanity, and civilization, and emphasizes its centrality to Pakistan's economy and food security due to its agrarian base. He notes that 25-30% of GDP, 50% of employment, and all food security relate to agriculture, so mismanaging water undermines growth and livelihoods, especially for the poor. He highlights the vulnerability of women, with over 61% of agricultural work carried out by women, linking water and agriculture to their freedoms and economic well-being. The speech cites recent floods that caused about 6,000 deaths, 20,000 injuries, and 40 million displaced, including 20 million school-aged children; prolonged displacement could result in 1.8 billion lost school days. He connects water rights to women’s rights and notes that Pakistan’s policy documents, including NDC III, emphasize women’s participation. The minister stresses that the future of Pakistan lies with its youth, announcing Green Revolution initiatives with a significant water-revolution component and plans to finance agricultural and climate-related ventures, ensuring 50% women participation in opportunities. He mentions a joint research framework called the Green Virtual University and ongoing climate-related collaborations. Malik warns that water has become a political issue in the region, condemning unilateral actions to suspend the Indus Water Treaty as an attack on civilization, livelihoods, and economic growth, and calls for restraint and better judgment. He welcomes the launch of the UN World Water Development Report and frames World Water Day as a day for water rights, women’s rights, and the rights of minorities and the poor, concluding with a celebration of humanity, civilization, and peace.
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