Fizza Qaisar
ISLAMABAD: His Excellency Yusuf Sharifzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, called on the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, in Islamabad today. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual cooperation in the fields of climate change, water, wildlife protection, and regional connectivity.
The meeting particularly focused on the upcoming 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028), scheduled to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where Dr. Musadik Malik will represent the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Ambassador Yusuf Sharifzoda observed that Pakistan and Tajikistan share many geographical and environmental similarities, noting that both countries host nearly 13,000 glaciers each and have already lost approximately 1,000 glaciers due to the impacts of time and climate change. He emphasized the need for enhanced regional cooperation to address the growing environmental challenges posed by glacial melt.
The Ambassador further highlighted that several protected wildlife species, including markhor, snow leopards, ibex, and various migratory birds, are found in both Pakistan and Tajikistan. Tajikistan has established protected valleys and conservation zones to preserve these species and stressed the importance of joint cooperation between the two countries for wildlife protection, including the possibility of developing formal agreements and memorandums of understanding.
Dr. Musadik Malik stated that energy, water, and climate are intrinsically interconnected and emphasized that regional countries must work together to address shared environmental challenges. He expressed Pakistan’s interest in strengthening collaboration with Tajikistan in the fields of climate resilience, water management, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development.
The Federal Minister also expressed interest in establishing a regional corridor between Pakistan and Tajikistan focused not only on climate and wildlife cooperation but also on enhancing broader trade and regional connectivity between the two countries.
During the discussion, Ambassador Yusuf Sharifzoda also spoke about the potential for future collaboration in utilizing regional weather patterns and innovative solutions, including methods aimed at improving water and climate management.
The Ambassador remarked that the people of Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep historical, cultural, and civilizational roots despite being separated by borders. Dr. Musadik Malik reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
