PESHAWAR—Addressing a seminar titled “Climate Change and Inclusion” at Governor House Peshawar on Monday, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi characterized climate change threats in KP as an existential reality.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event organized by the DICE Forum, Kundi emphasized that the effects of environmental degradation now manifest visibly across Pakistan, with the provincial landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bearing a disproportionate burden. He called for an immediate shift toward collective, cross-sectoral strategies to mitigate these risks.
Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation Expo Opens
Institutional Discourse and Environmental Advocacy
The seminar, hosted in collaboration with DICE Forum Chairperson Alia Agha and ZLK Group Chairman Zahid Latif Khan, gathered a diverse assembly of experts, including Dr. Khalid Khan, Dr. Samir Ants, Shagufta Malik, and Dr. Arjumand Nizami.
Representatives from the business community, such as Sarhad Chamber of Commerce President Junaid Altaf and Rawalpindi Chamber Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq, joined civil society members, lawyers, and students in a panel discussion regarding climate change threats in KP.
Experts within the panel presented specific proposals to counter ecological challenges, placing a particular emphasis on the critical utility of large-scale afforestation. Both Alia Agha and Zahid Latif Khan formally thanked the Governor for facilitating the high-level dialogue within the Governor House, noting that such institutional support is vital for environmental advocacy.
Climate Change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Growing Financial Concern
Regional Parallels and Border Security
Earlier in the day, Governor Kundi met with a delegation from the 19th National Workshop Balochistan, led by Brigadier Bilal Ghafoor. The delegation, comprising university students, media professionals, and social activists, engaged the governor on several fronts, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award [NFC is a constitutional body that recommends the mechanism of revenue sharing between the federation and provinces] and the developmental status of the tribal districts.
Kundi noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan navigate a shared struggle, as both provinces face the brunt of terrorism due to their proximity to the Afghan border. On the diplomatic front, he described the ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad as a victory for the country’s effective diplomacy.
Ahsan Iqbal says Climate Change poses ‘critical threat’ to Pakistan
Condemnation of Hangu Terrorist Attack
Amidst these policy discussions, the governor strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Hangu, where assailants fired upon a police vehicle assigned to polio eradication duties. Kundi expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of a police officer in the line of duty, paying tribute to his sacrifice while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
He also offered prayers for the rapid recovery of the injured personnel, reiterating that the province must remain resilient against those targeting essential public health initiatives.
