ISLAMABAD, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed his government's commitment to preserving glaciers, safeguarding water resources, and ensuring a water-secure future for the country, the region, and the planet, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

In his message on World Water Day 2025, observed under the theme "Glacier Preservation," Sharif emphasized the crucial role glaciers play in sustaining freshwater supplies and the significant challenges Pakistan faces in protecting this vital resource.

"Water is the cornerstone of life, essential to our economies, food systems, and environment. Yet, this life-sustaining resource is under unprecedented stress," he said.

Sharif highlighted Pakistan's growing water challenges, noting that the country relies heavily on glaciers, rivers, and aquifers that are increasingly affected by climate change and population pressures.

"The catastrophic floods of 2022 continue to cast a long shadow, having caused enormous damage to irrigation systems and disrupting millions of lives and livelihoods," he said.

He also warned of severe drought conditions, stating that nearly 80 percent of Pakistan's land is categorized as arid or semi-arid, with 30 percent of the population directly affected by drought-like conditions.

As one of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan's average temperatures are projected to rise faster than the global average, exacerbating water-related challenges, the prime minister noted.

Sharif underscored the importance of water cooperation and called for the effective implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty to ensure Pakistan's water security.

The prime minister highlighted the government's "Recharge Pakistan" initiative, aimed at mitigating climate-induced flood risks and reducing drought impacts through ecosystem-based adaptation.

He also pointed to the "Living Indus program," which is implementing 25 priority interventions, including nature-based agriculture, restoration of the Indus Delta, curbing industrial pollution, and investing in green infrastructure.

On this occasion, Sharif urged collective action to preserve glaciers and protect water resources, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to a sustainable, water-secure future. Enditem

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