ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, Dr Musadik Malik, held a meeting with Tajikistan’s Ambassador Yusuf Sharifzoda in Islamabad to strengthen regional cooperation on climate and environmental challenges, the minister’s office said in a post on X on Friday.

The discussions focused on formalizing joint climate and conservation protocols between the two countries, which share significant ecological similarities.

Both Pakistan and Tajikistan are home to around 13,000 glaciers each, making them among the most glacier-rich regions in the world.

Officials noted that both countries have lost nearly 1,000 glaciers due to rising global temperatures, highlighting the urgency of coordinated climate action.

Talks also explored the idea of a regional climate and trade corridor aimed at improving environmental cooperation while boosting sustainable economic links.

Another key area of discussion was cross-border wildlife conservation, particularly efforts to protect the endangered snow leopard, which inhabits mountainous regions across both countries.

The two sides also emphasized the importance of coordinated water management strategies, given their shared reliance on glacier-fed water systems.

The meeting reflects growing recognition of the need for regional diplomacy to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Dr Malik is set to further advance this agenda at the 4th High-Level Conference on Water for Sustainable Development in Dushanbe.

The conference will be held from May 25 to 28 and is expected to bring together global leaders and policymakers to discuss sustainable water management and climate resilience.

Climate Cooperation

Pakistan, Tajikistan discuss joint climate and water initiatives