Glacial Meltdown: The Silent Crisis Threatening Pakistan’s ‘Third Pole’
Sultan Shoaib
Gilgit-Baltistan: In the heart of Pakistan’s northernmost region, where towering peaks cradle breathtaking landscapes, the glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan stand as the country’s most significant frozen reservoirs.
Often dubbed the “Third Pole,” these icy titans nourish the Indus River and its tributaries, sustaining millions of people downstream.
However, climate change is rewriting their fate, threatening not just the glaciers but the communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems dependent on them.
For centuries, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have relied on glaciers for a steady supply of freshwater, feeding their fields, orchards, and pastures. But this lifeline is now under existential threat. Rising temperatures have accelerated glacial retreat, disrupting the delicate balance that once ensured water security for the region.
“When I was a child, the glaciers were much closer to our village,” says Amina Bibi, a 45-year-old farmer from Naltar Valley. “Now, they retreat further up the mountains each year. Our streams, once reliable, are drying up or flooding unpredictably.”
The once-predictable cycle of glacial melt and water flow has become erratic, making traditional farming increasingly difficult. “We used to grow wheat, barley, and apricots without much trouble. Now, we have to depend on rain, which is never enough. Sometimes, we lose our entire crop to droughts or sudden floods,” she adds.
A Scientific Perspective on the Crisis
Dr. Ali Rehmat, a leading glaciologist based in Gilgit, has spent over a decade studying the region’s glaciers. His findings paint a worrying picture. “The glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan are retreating at an unprecedented rate. Some have been losing up to five meters of thickness annually. If this trend continues, we could lose up to 60% of our glaciers by the end of this century.”
The consequences of glacial loss are dire. Melting glaciers not only reduce water availability but also trigger natural disasters. “Glacial lakes are forming at higher altitudes due to the rapid retreat.
Their natural walls are often unstable, and a small earthquake or temperature surge can trigger a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), causing massive destruction downstream,” Dr. Rehmat explains.
A Blow to Tourism and Economy
The impact of melting glaciers extends beyond water shortages and agriculture—it is also dealing a blow to the region’s tourism industry. Gilgit-Baltistan’s majestic glaciers have long been a magnet for adventure seekers and nature lovers. But as these frozen giants recede, the allure is fading.
Shabbir Hussain, a 32-year-old tour guide from Skardu, has witnessed this shift firsthand. “Glaciers are a major attraction here, and their retreat is worrying for our tourism industry. When glaciers disappear, so will the tourists.”
He recalls how Baltoro Glacier, one of the region’s most iconic sites, once drew climbers and trekkers from across the globe. “Now, the glacier is receding fast, and some of the routes we used to take are no longer safe. This is making it harder for us to attract visitors.”
The ripple effect on the local economy is profound. Many families in Gilgit-Baltistan rely on tourism for their income. “If the glaciers vanish, many of us will lose our only source of livelihood,” Shabbir laments.
The Disappearing Habitat of Wildlife
The crisis isn’t limited to humans—wildlife is also bearing the brunt of climate change. The region is home to rare species, including the elusive snow leopard, which depends on cold, rugged terrain for survival. As glaciers vanish, their habitat is shrinking, pushing them closer to extinction.
“The snow leopard is one of the most iconic species of the Himalayas, but its survival is at risk,” says Dr Rehmat. “With rising temperatures and receding glaciers, these animals are being forced to higher altitudes, where food sources are scarce.”
Other species, including mountain ibex, markhor, and migratory birds, are also facing displacement as their ecosystems change rapidly. The loss of glaciers is disrupting the region’s biodiversity, threatening the fragile web of life that has existed for centuries.
Despite the bleak scenario, hope is not lost. Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of glacial melting and adapt to the changing climate.
One such initiative is the installation of early warning systems for GLOFs. These systems, implemented by local and international organizations, alert communities in advance, giving them time to evacuate and minimize damage.
Reforestation projects are also being carried out to restore forests and improve water retention, which could help slow down glacial retreat.
Dr Rehmat emphasizes the need for urgent and collective action. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally is crucial, but we also need local solutions—better water management, reforestation, and community-driven adaptation strategies. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan must be empowered with the knowledge and resources to combat climate change.”
As the glaciers of Gilgit-Baltistan continue their retreat, the stakes are higher than ever. The region’s future depends on how effectively governments, scientists, and local communities respond to the crisis. From preserving biodiversity to securing livelihoods, the battle against climate change must be fought on multiple fronts.
For now, Amina Bibi and countless others in Gilgit-Baltistan watch anxiously as the glaciers inch further away, their fate uncertain. Their stories serve as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is unfolding here and now, demanding urgent action before these frozen treasures become a memory of the past.
The feature report was released by APP on January 16, 2025.
