Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Issues Message on World Wetlands Day 2026

Islamabad, February 2, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized Pakistan’s strong commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands, describing them as vital national, environmental, social, and cultural assets.
In his message on World Wetlands Day, observed globally today under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, the Prime Minister highlighted the deep cultural and historical significance of wetlands. He noted that this year’s theme appropriately reminds the world of the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage linked to these precious ecosystems.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated:
“World Wetlands Day provides Pakistan and the international community an opportunity to reaffirm our resolve for the long-term conservation and wise use of wetlands. This year’s theme – ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’ – reminds us of the rich cultural context and importance of wetlands.”
He recalled that Pakistan is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971), which underscores the sustainable use and protection of wetlands for the benefit of humanity. Reliable wetlands play a key role in helping nations cope with severe environmental and economic challenges, including protection against droughts, floods, and extreme climate variability.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Pakistan’s wetlands—including lakes, glaciers, inland water bodies, coastal areas, and mangrove ecosystems—are essential for biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and effective water management. These areas serve as a source of livelihood and daily sustenance for millions of Pakistanis.
He warned that the degradation or loss of wetlands leads to reduced employment opportunities, rising food prices at the national level, and increased vulnerability to floods and droughts.
“Protecting wetlands is not merely an environmental duty to combat climate change, but a guarantee of social welfare at both individual and collective levels,” he added.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on transboundary water issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated full commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, calling for its complete and equitable implementation. He strongly rejected any attempts to use water as a weapon of war, terming such actions a grave violation of international law.
The Prime Minister concluded with a renewed pledge:
“Let us, on this day, renew our commitment—individually and collectively—to regard wetlands as our precious national, environmental, social, and cultural heritage and make every effort for their protection. The Government of Pakistan will continue to raise its voice at the international level for the fair, legal, and peaceful use of water resources among nations.”