The University Of Chitral organized a one-day seminar with the theme of Disaster Risk Reduction on the occasion of International Day for Disaster risk reduction in collaboration with GLOF II project Pakistan. The Keynote speaker on the occasion was Mr. Malik Amin Aslam, Federal Minister / Advisor to PM for climate change. He said that the increased exposure of countries to both natural and manmade hazards poses a threat to lives and sustainable development efforts. In Pakistan, KP province is the most vulnerable province in terms of Natural disasters. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral is the most affected district in terms of natural disaster, therefore disaster day is very significant for the Chitral future. He said that flooding in Chitral poses a serious threat to the lives and infrastructure of Chitral. He also highlighted the purpose and importance of the GLOF II project. The project will help Chitral in terms of preparedness to natural disasters. He planted a tree in the lawn of the University of Chitral to mark the significance and importance of trees in mitigating natural disasters. The rescue 1122 team performed a mock drill to highlight preparedness if a natural disaster occurs. Mr. Shah Fahad Ali Khan Lecturer in Zoology presented his topic of research on Risk Reduction in education –the why and how? Dr. Zakir Hussain, Director of the Academics University of Baltistan presented his research topic on Glacier Plantation. Additional Deputy Commissioner Relief and HR Lower Chitral Mr. Abdul Wali Khan said that GLOF and unprecedented rain have incurred huge damage to infrastructure and livelihood in Chitral. He said that glaciers in the Himalayas are melting at a fast pace which will create shortage of drinking water as Himalayas are the only source of fresh water in Pakistan. Project Director University of Chitral Prof. Dr Badshah Munir Bukahri in his concluding remarks highlighted the negative impacts of climate change in Chitral. He said that deforestation has been the major cause of climate change in Chitral. He thanked the guests for their participation and precious time.
