Islamabad, March 15, 2026
ClimateWatch — a youth-led climate policy think tank affiliated with the National Climate Change Board (NCCB) since 2007 — today called on the Government of Pakistan to allocate emergency funding for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) early warning systems across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Background
Recent satellite data analyzed by our Climate Adaptation team confirms that 14 high-risk glacial lakes in the Karakoram and Hindu Kush regions have shown accelerated expansion over the past 18 months. Three of these lakes are classified as "imminent risk" by international glaciological standards.
Our Position
"The gap between scientific evidence and policy response on GLOFs is widening, not narrowing. Communities in Hunza, Ghizer, and Upper Chitral live downstream of lakes that could breach within the next two monsoon seasons. The cost of inaction is measured in lives."
— Shayan Ali, Founder & Executive Director, ClimateWatch
Key Recommendations
- Immediate allocation of PKR 2.5 billion for community-based GLOF early warning infrastructure
- Integration of remote sensing data with local observation networks to provide 24-hour advance warning
- Mandatory climate risk assessments for all development projects within 20km of high-risk glacial lakes
- Capacity building for district disaster management authorities in GLOF response protocols
For Media Inquiries
Contact: info@climatewatch.pk