GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan on Tuesday termed climate change as the biggest challenge for people of the region, and directed the relevant departments to formulate a 10-year plan to reduce the effects of the phenomenon and to protect glaciers.

He was talking to a delegation comprising representatives of UNDP and Glof Project here, according to a press release.

Mr Khurshid said the GB government was introducing new reforms to cope with climate change consequences and protect glaciers. He sought special attention of international agencies to support his government in that regard.

He said as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan his government was taking serious steps for protection of forests and glaciers.

Speaking on the occasion, UNDP Representative in Pakistan Knut Ostby said that the world body would organise a donor conference in GB.

The UNDP officials also briefed the chief minister about the Glof project.

Mr Khurshid said the glaciers were melting at a high speed, which was alarming. He said extremely negative results of relentless deforestation were emerging in the region, and that his government had issued clear instructions to the departments concerned for protection and preservation of forests.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2021