Marya Tariq
As glaciers around the world continue to melt at an alarming pace due to climate change, the urgency for global action has never been greater. In response to this growing environmental crisis, the United Nations has officially declared 2025 as the “International Year of Glacier’s Preservation” and designated Mar 21 as the World Day for Glaciers, to be observed annually from 2025 onward. Pakistan, home to a vast network of glaciers within the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayan (HKH) region, plays a pivotal role in this global conservation narrative. Often referred to as the “Third Pole”, the HKH region holds more than 6,500 glaciers, spanning approximately 13,000 square kilometers. These icy giants are essential to sustaining the Indus River System, which forms the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
In response to the mounting threats posed by climate change, SUPARCO, the National Space Agency of Pakistan, has taken significant steps to monitor and preserve these vital natural resources. Establishing a dedicated Glacier Monitoring and Research Center in Gilgit-Baltistan, SUPARCO is actively engaged in studying glacier surges, retreats, snow melts, and the dangerous phenomenon of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). These efforts are a key part of Pakistan’s broader climate resilience strategy. A groundbreaking achievement by SUPARCO is the development of the first-ever digital “Glacier Inventory of Pakistan,” which catalogs all known glaciers along with their essential physical parameters. This inventory serves as a crucial resource for scientists, policymakers, and environmentalists in understanding glacial behavior and planning appropriate responses. By utilizing advanced space technologies, SUPARCO is enhancing Pakistan’s capacity to monitor changes in glacier health, ice cover, and climate-related impacts. Satellite imagery analysis some dating as far back as 1972is combined with ground-based research, including ice core sampling, glacier mass balance studies, and field assessments. These integrated techniques provide critical insights into the evolving dynamics of Pakistan’s glacial systems and their influence on water availability and climate adaptation. Further strengthening its global scientific footprint, Pakistan through SUPARCO is also an active participant in the International Ice Memory Project.
This ambitious initiative aims to preserve glacial ice samples in Antarctica, safeguarding them for future generations of researchers. With glaciers melting faster than ever, this project ensures that invaluable climatic and environmental data will remain accessible for centuries, enabling deeper understanding of Earth’s long-term climate patterns. SUPARCO’s efforts extend beyond research and data collection; the agency remains deeply committed to public awareness and scientific collaboration. By sharing knowledge and expertise, SUPARCO supports both national and international efforts to mitigate the growing risks of water scarcity and glacial hazards in Pakistan.
As the world prepares to observe the International Year of Glacier’s Preservation in 2025, SUPARCO stands at the forefront of Pakistan’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Through innovation, research, and strategic partnerships, it is helping to protect the country’s vital glacial resources ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
The author is Manager Outreach and Awareness at SUPARCO.
