PESHAWAR—Pakistan’s first “Climate Jirga” was held in Peshawar, bringing together community elders, women, youth, academics, government officials, civil society representatives, NGOs and members of the transgender community to discuss the growing impacts of climate change and locally driven solutions.
The dialogue was held at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar and focused on “Indigenous Climate Adaptation – Variance in Perception of Climate Change.” It was convened by ClimaSynth and Echoes of Earth, initiatives of Global Shapers Hub Peshawar, with support from Pakistan Red Crescent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan Red Crescent Merged Areas Branch.
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In a key feature of the Pakistan first Climate Jirga Peshawar, organizers adapted the traditional Pashtun Jirga into a non-hierarchical format called “The Circle.” Under this format, elders, officials, researchers, youth and community representatives participated on an equal footing.
Speakers at the jirga highlighted water scarcity, deforestation, urban flooding, weak climate data systems, governance challenges, and gaps between existing policies and their implementation as major climate-related challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr Adil Zareef said climate change had become a serious threat to the province and called for evidence-based policymaking supported by reliable data and greater youth participation. Dr Khalid Khan highlighted the recurring urban flooding in Peshawar and stressed the need for stronger watershed management and locally informed climate planning.
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PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa representative Ismail briefed participants on the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction policy and its focus on indigenous knowledge and local adaptation practices. Other speakers stressed that communities directly affected by climate change must have a meaningful role in policymaking. Transgender community representative Mahi Gul also called for greater inclusion of marginalized groups in climate policies and response mechanisms.
Saeed Gul, Provincial Head of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in KP, said climate change was no longer a distant threat but an everyday reality affecting communities and livelihoods. The session concluded with the live drafting of the KP Climate Jirga Declaration, based on recommendations from the participants.
Organizers said the declaration would be shared with relevant provincial departments. They also announced plans to establish a Youth–Elder Advocacy Coalition to maintain dialogue between grassroots communities and youth networks on climate adaptation and resilience.The event concluded with a traditional folk music performance and refreshments.
