Pakistani Glacier Discovery – Climate Change, Research, and Innovation in the Land of Ice

Introduction

Pakistan is home to one of the largest collections of glaciers outside the polar regions. With over 13,000 glaciers, mostly found in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, the country holds an immense reserve of fresh water. These glaciers feed major rivers like the Indus, sustaining agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water for millions of people.

In recent years, scientists have made significant discoveries about Pakistan’s glaciers — from unusual growth patterns in the Karakoram Range to innovative methods like artificial ice stupas. At the same time, concerns about rapid melting in areas like Azad Kashmir highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation.

This article explores these discoveries, their importance, and the challenges facing Pakistan’s glaciers in the era of climate change.

Pakistan’s Glacier Wealth

Pakistan’s glaciers are mainly located in the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges. Some of the most famous include:

• Siachen Glacier – One of the biggest glaciers in the world that is not at the North or South Pole.
• Baltoro Glacier – Gateway to K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
• Batura, Passu, and Hispar Glaciers – Known for their size and scenic beauty.

These glaciers act as natural water reservoirs, slowly releasing meltwater into rivers during the warmer months, ensuring a steady water supply.

Recent Scientific Discoveries

1. Merging Glaciers in the Karakoram

A recent study using NASA satellite imagery revealed that glaciers in the Karakoram range, including Siachen, Lolofond, and Teram Shehr, are merging into a single massive ice mass. This phenomenon is unusual because most of the world’s glaciers are shrinking due to global warming.

Scientists call this the Karakoram Anomaly — a rare case where glaciers are stable or even growing. Possible reasons include:

• Thick debris cover insulating the ice from heat.
• Unique local weather patterns with heavy snowfall.
• Cooler summer temperatures at high altitudes.

2. Rapid Melting in Azad Kashmir

While the Karakoram shows stability, glaciers in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley are shrinking rapidly. Experts report that regional temperatures have risen by more than 2°C over the past 60 years, accelerating ice loss.

With around 224 glaciers covering 109 km², the Neelum Valley depends heavily on glacier meltwater for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower. Scientists say that if the melting is not stopped, it could cause:

 

• Water shortages in summer months.
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can devastate downstream communities.
• Loss of biodiversity in mountain ecosystems.

3. Artificial Glaciers – The Ice Stupa Innovation

In parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, where snowfall is decreasing and water shortages are becoming common, locals have turned to a unique solution: artificial glaciers or ice stupas.

How They Work:

• Water from mountain streams is piped to a high point.
• In winter, the water is sprayed into the freezing air, creating a cone-shaped ice structure.
• These ice towers store water as ice during winter and release it slowly in spring and summer.

In one village, eight ice stupas stored about 20 million litres of water, helping farmers irrigate their orchards without the need for large reservoirs.

Why These Discoveries Matter

For Climate Science

The Karakoram Anomaly challenges the global trend of glacier retreat. Studying these glaciers helps scientists understand how local climate conditions can influence ice stability, which could improve predictions for other mountain regions.

For Water Security

About 60% of Pakistan’s water comes from melting glaciers.Knowing which glaciers are stable and which are shrinking helps policymakers plan for:

• Reservoir construction.
• Water-sharing agreements.
• Agricultural scheduling.

For Community Adaptation

Artificial glaciers like ice stupas show that low-cost, community-driven solutions can help fight climate impacts without massive infrastructure.

The Threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

One major risk from melting glaciers is the formation of glacial lakes. When ice melts, water can collect behind weak natural walls made of rock and ice. If these dams break, sudden floods can cause massive destruction. Pakistan has already experienced GLOFs in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, displacing communities and damaging farmland. Climate experts warn that GLOFs could become more frequent as temperatures rise.

Government and International Efforts

Pakistan’s government, with support from international partners, is working on:

• Monitoring programs using satellite data and on-the-ground surveys.
• Early warning systems for GLOF-prone areas.
• Climate resilience projects, including tree planting and sustainable farming practices.

The Glacier Monitoring and Research Centre (GMRC) and NGOs are also training local communities to respond to glacier-related disasters.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, Pakistan faces several challenges:

• Limited funding for glacier research.
• Difficult terrain making data collection hard.
• Climate uncertainty, which could alter glacier behavior unpredictably.
• Balancing development needs with environmental protection.

The Way Forward

To protect Pakistan’s glaciers and the millions who depend on them, experts recommend:

1. Increased scientific research – More studies on glacier dynamics and the Karakoram Anomaly.
2. Stronger climate policies – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage renewable energy.
3. Community-based adaptation – Support for ice stupas, rainwater harvesting, and small-scale reservoirs.
4. Public awareness – Educating communities about glacier conservation.

Conclusion

The discovery of merging glaciers in the Karakoram, rapid melting in Azad Kashmir, and innovative ice stupas in Gilgit-Baltistan paint a complex picture of Pakistan’s glacier story. While some glaciers defy global melting trends, others are disappearing fast, threatening water security and livelihoods.

By combining science, innovation, and community action, Pakistan can protect its glaciers and secure a sustainable water future. The time to act is now — because in the mountains, the melting clock is ticking.