Islamabad: The Ministry of Climate Change has issued a warning on World Wetlands Day, highlighting that the ongoing degradation of ecosystems may significantly compromise the country's ability to withstand floods, water shortages, and biodiversity loss. According to Radio Pakistan, Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, the Ministry's Media Spokesperson, emphasized the critical role of wetlands, advocating for their recognition as vital components of national climate infrastructure rather than being perceived as marginal lands. Pakistan is home to over 240 notable wetlands, including 19 Ramsar sites acknowledged for their international significance. The Ramsar sites in Pakistan feature diverse ecosystems such as the Keenjhar and Haleji lakes in Sindh, Chashma Barrage in Punjab, and the Jiwani coastal wetlands in Balochistan. Wetland conservation has been integrated as a core element of the national strategy, marking it as a priority within Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy.