Disarmament Week arrives like a clarion call for introspection, compelling us in Pakistan to rethink our approach to security, climate change, and national defense. We find ourselves ensnared in an arms race, propelled by regional tensions and a relentless pursuit of military might.

Yet, amidst this fervent drive for accumulation, we face an undeniable truth: military activity is accelerating the climate crisis. This is not just an abstract concern; it has profound implications for the health of our planet and the well-being of our people. The stark reality is that military operations contribute approximately 5.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, in 2017, U.S. defense activities alone emitted more carbon than entire nations such as Sweden and Portugal. This should alarm us, particularly in a nation that is already grappling with the devastating effects of climate change.

The unbridled military expenditures that prioritize arms over environmental sustainability are not just a budgetary miscalculation- they represent a colossal misalignment of values. In 2022, global military spending soared to a staggering $2.24 trillion, with a jaw-dropping $82.9 billion earmarked solely for nuclear arsenals. Imagine the transformative impact if even a fraction of this expenditure were redirected........

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