The Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore successfully organized a One-Day International Hybrid Conference on “Climate Emergency in Pakistan: Risks, Challenges & Road Ahead”. The event took place on October 22, 2025. The Conference brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the country and abroad to deliberate on the pressing issue of climate change and its multifaceted impacts, particularly in the context of Pakistan.Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The Keynote Speakers were Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Islamabad & Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, Executive Director, Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Muzaffarabad, AJK.

A total of twenty-six scholars presented research papers during the conference who reflected the regional importance of the topic and the need for shared understanding and cooperation. This diverse participation underscored the broad interest in developing effective responses to the climate emergency affecting the region. The event featured keynote addresses, paper presentations, and interactive Panel discussion session.

Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya, Director CSAS, in her welcome address, thanked the esteemed guests. She said that for nearly five decades, the CSAS has upheld a mission defined by interdisciplinary research, regional engagement, and critical scholarship. Dr. Goraya said that South Asia today stands at the center of the global climate crisis being a victim of intensified climate threats. It is imperative that we gather the most credible and informed voices, not only to examine the contours of these risks but to collectively shape the discourse on response options.

She highlighted that in confronting the reality of, warming planet’s rising tides and intensifying fires, the impacts of extreme weather events are already reshaping the economies, societies and ecosystems at an alarming pace. The Director CSAS shared the perspective on the manifestations of systemic weaknesses in political governance and international coordination which have led to the harsh truth of climate crisis today. She highlighted that Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. And yet, we remain among the least prepared. Dr. Goraya emphasized that at the heart of this challenge is the issue of climate justice. The Global South, despite contributing the least to the historical carbon emissions, bears the greatest burden of climate-induced disasters. This disparity not only deepens injustice, but also impedes collective global action. She accentuated that we are obligated to support a just transition; the one that ensures that the vulnerable countries and communities are not left behind in the transition to sustainability. In her concluding remarks, she emphasized that this crisis is far too vast for governments alone to solve. It requires collective will and coordinated efforts across all sectors.

Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, the Chief Guest extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Director CSAS, Prof. Dr. Naheed S. Goraya for organizing this timely & critically important academic conference on the Climate Emergency in Pakistan. She said that Centre, with its interdisciplinary focus and regional scope, is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. The Centre can serve as a platform not only for cutting-edge climate research but also for regional collaboration, which is vital, given the transboundary nature of environmental degradation. She remarked that we are now well beyond the stage of climate change being an abstract or future concern. It is visible, and increasingly violent. Whether it is the unprecedented floods that displaced millions, the melting glaciers Pakistan is on the frontlines of a global emergency. This demands both moral clarity and strategic resolve. The Chief Guest emphasized that students and scholars must have the urge to engage with the climate crisis not merely as a scientific or technical dilemma, but as a fundamentally human challenge. She appreciated the efforts of the Director CSAS to arrange this much-needed conference that shows the relentless commitment on her part to environmental justice in shaping not only intellectual discourse but also the moral direction of our collective response to the climate crisis.

The distinguished keynote Speakers Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan delivered Lecture on “Regional climate Diplomacy”. She argued that Regional Climate Diplomacy has turned the urgency of climate change into an opportunity for the community where collective action becomes the foundation of regional stability and sustainable growth. Ms. Amna also highlighted the key collaboration areas and the Green economy. As case studies, she discussed EU Green Deal, Green BRI & SAARC. She identified the barriers to cooperation and emphasized that nations can transform climate vulnerability into collective strength, turning responsibility into hope for the earth that sustains us all. Dr. Asma Shakir Khawaja, the second keynote speaker drew attention to the Conflict-Induced Climate Crisis: A Case Study of Jammu & Kashmir. She said that the climate emergency threatens the contemporary civilization. She referred to the International Humanitarian Laws which prohibit the excessive and disproportionate damage to the environment. Dr. Khawaja highlighted how degraded environment places Kashmiri’s future livelihood, food security, water security, economic security and energy security at risk. She underscored how Indian excessive militarization of IIOJK has destroyed natural habitat on both sides. Dr. Khawaja also suggested measures that climate emergency and methodology should be a part of school curriculum in order to protect environment. And at the same time, the climate literacy needs to be starting from schools to Universities. She urged consideration of climate emergency in IIOJK and that needs to be taken seriously to protect environment.

After the inaugural session, there were parallel sessions for the presenters, chaired by Prof. Dr. Isma Younes, Director, Institute of Geography, University of the Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Siddique Akbar, Assistant Professor, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of the Punjab & Dr. Arfan Mahmood, Assistant Professor, CSAS, respectively.

The Panel discussion was headed by Prof. Dr. Raana Malik, Chairperson Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab. The Panelists discussed about Gender and Climate Change. Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif, Director SDSC, GCU Lahore Dr. Muhammad Younis Zahid, Environmentalist, Climatology & Circular Economy System Expert, Executive Member of PCAN, Dr. Qaisar Khalid Mehmood, Deptt. of Gender Studies, Mr. Uzair, Research Officer, Deptt. of Gender Studies, and Mr. Hassan Bin Saadat, climate Scientist were among the notable Panelists. It was discussed in detail how women have been a victim of these climatic disasters since they are least trained to tackle the crisis. The Panelists advocated for balanced gender role in climate policies. They were of the view that in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, women play key roles in food production, water collection, and household energy use. When droughts, floods, or other disasters occur, these roles become even more difficult. However, they ended on a note that despite facing greater vulnerability, women are not merely victims, they are powerful leaders and innovators in climate action.

These sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the scientific, social, and policy dimensions of climate change. Each presentation was followed by engaging discussions that allowed participants to share insights, experiences, and possible solutions. Throughout the proceedings, a number of important findings and ideas emerged. Scholars and experts emphasized the urgency of addressing climate challenges through regional cooperation, as the environmental issues facing Pakistan are closely linked to those of its neighboring countries. Several innovative adaptation strategies were presented, including the use of climate-smart agriculture, improved water management systems, and community-based resilience models. Policymakers in attendance expressed appreciation for the research contributions and acknowledged the role of academia in informing evidence-based policy formulation. Young researchers from Pakistan were particularly recognized for their insightful presentations and commitment to advancing climate studies.

The discussions led to a set of forward-looking recommendations. Participants agreed on the need to integrate climate resilience into national and regional development planning and to strengthen research collaboration among South Asian universities and research centers. Emphasis was placed on the importance of increasing investment in renewable energy, promoting public awareness about sustainable practices, and developing policies that support the transition to low-carbon economies. It was also recommended that follow-up workshops and publications be organized to sustain the momentum created by this conference and to disseminate key findings more widely.

The conference concluded with a formal closing session in which Dr. Goraya, Director CSAS expressed her appreciation to all presenters and attendees. She brought her address to a close by saying that the climate emergency in Pakistan is a defining issue of our time. It demands nothing less than urgency, innovation, and multi-sectoral collaboration.