Balochistan suffered from environmental disasters in recent years, prolonged droughts & unexpected severe floods: Rubaba

Adviser to Chief Minister of Balochistan on Department of Women Development, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, stated that global warming and climate change have emerged as the greatest challenges facing the planet today, requiring urgent and immediate action

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jun, 2026) Adviser to Chief Minister of Balochistan on Department of Women Development, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, stated that global warming and climate change have emerged as the greatest challenges facing the planet today, requiring urgent and immediate action.

In her special message issued on the occasion of World Environment Day, she noted that Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by area, has directly suffered from environmental disasters in recent years, including prolonged droughts and unexpected severe floods.

Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi emphasized that the Primary purpose of observing this day is to raise public awareness about eliminating environmental pollution and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources to prevent environmental degradation.

“The Earth gives us life, and protecting it is a shared responsibility of all humanity. If we fail to take serious measures to safeguard our environment today, future generations will never forgive us. Planting trees is no longer merely a healthy activity; it has become a national and moral obligation,” she said.

Highlighting the severe impacts of climate change, Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries most affected by climate change globally, despite contributing less than one percent to global carbon emissions.

Speaking specifically about Balochistan, she expressed concern that more than 70 percent of the province consists of barren or semi-barren land, while groundwater levels are declining by two to three meters annually an extremely alarming situation.

Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi further stated that, according to environmental standards, forests should cover approximately 25 percent of the province’s land area; however, unfortunately, forest cover currently remains below five percent, making it imperative to increase it on a war footing.

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In view of these serious challenges, the Government of Balochistan has undertaken several significant and practical measures in recent years.

She said that for the first time in the province’s history, a comprehensive Climate Change Policy has been formulated, under this policy, efforts are underway to protect water resources and develop resilient infrastructure capable of mitigating natural disasters.

She said that large-scale tree plantation campaigns have been launched across the province, with priority being given to indigenous tree species. Additionally, check dams and delay-action dams are being constructed in various districts to conserve rainwater and prevent further depletion of groundwater reserves, she said and added that the government has also accelerated the implementation of legislation banning single-use plastic shopping bags in an effort to reduce environmental pollution.

Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi stressed the need to eliminate the use of single-use plastics in households, stating that plastic and plastic-based products are causing severe damage to water resources and soil.

She urged school and university students to actively participate in the “Clean and Green Balochistan” campaign and encouraged every citizen to plant at least two trees and take personal responsibility for their care and maintenance, enabling society to better address environmental challenges.