ADB Launches “Glaciers to Farms” Program to Safeguard Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a comprehensive action plan to safeguard Pakistan’s water, agriculture, and energy resources amid growing climate challenges.

Under the newly developed “Glaciers to Farms Program,” ADB will conduct a detailed assessment of the economic and environmental impacts of melting glaciers caused by global climate change.

According to the ADB, the program will also focus on strategic climate resilience planning to ensure the sustainable management of water storage, agricultural productivity, and energy systems in Pakistan.

The bank confirmed that global experts have been invited to submit recommendations on glacial melt impacts, which will be reviewed at the upcoming International Convention of the East Asian Economic Association, scheduled for November 8–9 in the Philippines.

Sources indicated that this initiative will serve as a key policy framework for improving water efficiency, promoting modern irrigation techniques, and mitigating climate risks in Pakistan’s agricultural and energy sectors.

Read More : ADB Flags Pakistan’s Poor 4G Coverage, Weak 5G Readiness

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed serious concern over Pakistan’s lagging digital infrastructure, revealing that the country has the lowest 4G coverage in the region and is ill-prepared for 5G deployment.

In its detailed report on Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, the ADB emphasised critical shortcomings in telecommunication services and infrastructure. The report calls for urgent reforms and strategic investments to bridge the widening digital divide.

According to the findings, Pakistan’s digital sector contributes only 1.5% to the national GDP, underscoring vast untapped economic potential. To unlock growth, the report urges the government and private sector to expand fibre optic networks and fixed broadband access, which currently sits at a low 1.3%.

While 80% of the population has access to mobile internet, actual usage remains limited, primarily due to digital literacy gaps and infrastructure deficiencies. The report also highlights a concerning gender gap:

• Mobile phone ownership: 86% men vs. 53% women
• Internet access: 53% men vs. only 33% women