A very strong factor that has repressed economic growth still is undealt with-climate change regardless of the thoughtful planning by the Planning Commission of Pakistan.

Agriculture greatest contributor to economy is adversely affected as the Earth heats up. Global warming is upsetting time and quantity of rains, wind patterns etc. along with increasing temperature.

Rainfall has started to decrease or increase following long months of drought as well. According to Economic Survey of Pakistan 2013, more than 3,000 people killed due to floods in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and experienced a loss of $16 billion.

According to Nasir Pahnwar, an environmental expert, data from independent surveys have shown that 3.1 million acres of agricultural land around Badin, Thatta and Sujawal districts have submerged in sea.

Climate change to decrease livestock production by 20%-30% resulting shortages of meat, milk and poultry supplies affecting the economy in the coming years. Overall, it is predicted that at end of 21st century, the agricultural sector loses about $2-$15 billion/annum alone due to climate change.

Global warming interpreting into different socioeconomic conflicts as scarce resources rendering conflicts over resources. Pakistan has an of poverty line of 60 million in 2016 and has growing poverty thwarts economic growth and with limited resources and power shortages, growing unemployment and unfair health facilities.

Ghulam Rasul, Director General, Pakistan Meteorological Department said, “Most societal disruptions are caused by migration of new settlers and settled people. The nature of conflict is the scarcity of resources have to be used between two groups of people soon followed by theft and in-fighting.”

The problem faced by the real estate market of Karachi due to floods. Houses, apartments, etc. have to be made flood resistant plus withstand the humidity levels. Formerly large pool of investors attracted but now more are attracted to Gwadar.

In mid-1990s Karachi Port Trust decided to take the area around Shireen Jinnah Colony and reclaimed successfully making it safe from tides, however, it proved to be faulty when high-speed waves swamped through the wall against the shore. In Keti Bunder out of 48 settlements, 34 have been submerged into the sea, causing 60,000 people displaced.

Climate change is happening and affecting all of us. If it remains unnoticed then it will cause problems beyond control to reverse. “Pakistan has all laws for establishment of climate resistant infrastructure, especially houses, but rigid to regulate the kacchi abadis of fishermen along the coast lines,” Rasul said.

“Tropical cyclone that hit Karachi during 2007, bill boards flying like razor blades, cutting across vehicles and people on foot. We need strong infrastructure that can withstand all climate changes, now that this is a common manifestation,” he added.

“Real estate prices are highly vulnerable, whether they can withstand climate changes or not. Houses are built on slopes in northern areas washed away by flash floods and landslides. This inhibits real estate sector development in these areas.”

Rasul and many others in the government are of the view that climate change has emerged as a national issue. He believes that government needs to take concrete steps towards mitigating the dire effects of climate change rather than compensating effectees.