On February 10, 2026 the Progressive Climate Foundation convened the first Climate Human Rights Nexus Dialogue in Gilgit-Baltistan at Osis Hotel, Gilgit, in partnership with the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme and with support from the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. The gathering brought together youth leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, civil society members and academics to examine the intersection of climate change and fundamental rights with a focus on glacier preservation, climate resilience and youth empowerment.
Mr. Manzoor Qureshi, Program Manager at GBRSP, and Mr. Khadim Hussain, Director of GB-EPA, provided technical context, noting that of Pakistan’s nearly 13,000 glaciers roughly 8,400 lie within Gilgit-Baltistan. Mr. Imran Khan Rana, Secretary of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, emphasised the human rights dimensions of climate-induced vulnerabilities and the need to protect affected communities.
An interactive workshop led by Mr. Ahbab Ullah Qureshi, President of PCF Gilgit-Baltistan, engaged youth, community members, government representatives and media stakeholders in inclusive dialogue and collaborative solution-building. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr. Syed Adil Ali Shah, Minister for Sports, Culture & Youth Affairs GB, who urged youth-led environmental action and praised the partnership approach.
Organisers underscored that linking climate policy to rights is essential for effective local responses. The dialogue advanced the agenda for Climate Human Rights by highlighting glacier protection as a central priority for mountain communities and by promoting rights-based resilience measures that empower young leaders and local stakeholders.
The Progressive Climate Foundation and its partners said the conversation in Gilgit-Baltistan is a step toward tangible community-led initiatives on glacier protection, climate resilience and youth empowerment, and will inform follow-up activities to strengthen climate justice in the region.
