WaterAid Pakistan unveils country programme strategy 2023-2028

LAHORE: WaterAid Pakistan unveiled its visionary country programme strategy for the period 2023–2028 here Wednesday.

This strategy was designed to expedite Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) progress in the country, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing the resilience of water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the face of climate change.

Moreover, the strategy aimed to prioritise WASH integration within the health sector to significantly bolster public health outcomes. The launch brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from academia, community-based organisations, media, government, and more. The caretaker health minister Prof Dr Javed Akram was the chief guest on the occasion. The minister shed light on the critical need for health facilities to combat diarrheal diseases and ensure better healthcare infrastructure which is all inclusive. The minister called for concerted efforts to improve health facilities and address water-related health challenges in the community and extended the full support of government.

Deputy Commissioner Lodhran District Abdul Rauf Mahar, PDMA Director Operations Nisar Saani, and Clara Strandhoj, Head of Lahore Office, UK High Commission were also present. Deputy Commissioner Lohdran, Abdul Rauf Mahar emphasised the urgent need for support, particularly in the selection of Lodhran as a focus area. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to address water-related issues in the region.

Clara Strandhoj, Head of Lahore Office, UK High Commission, focused on the global context, discussing the upcoming COP 28 and the need for improved governance in the water sector. She emphasised the importance of collaborative initiatives to achieve sustainable water management goals.

Arif Jabbar Khan, Country Director, WaterAid Pakistan, expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who attended the event and reaffirms WaterAid's commitment to working hand in hand with local communities, government bodies, and organisations to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

World Fisheries Day observed

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore observed World Fisheries Day with the theme of 'Cast the Net'.

Various activities, including an awareness walk, seminar, business ideas competition and fishing activities were organised to mark the day. Director (Aquaculture) Department of Fisheries Punjab Dr Muhammad Abid presided over the seminar while Dean Faculty of Animal Production and Technology Prof Dr Saima, Chairman Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Chairman Department of Wildlife & Ecology/Principal Office Ravi Campus Prof Dr Arshad Javid, fisheries professionals, faculty members and students attended.

While addressing the audience, Dr Muhammad Abid said that fisheries and aquaculture played a significant role in national economy and food security. He said the Fisheries Department was providing the guidelines to the farmers for the construction of fish farms, fish hatcheries and providing the literature for future directions and have the mobile vans and providing the free-of-cost services to the farmers and also conserving fish biodiversity through fingerlings stock replenishment programme. Later, Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman along with Dr Muhammad Abid led the walk which was attended by students and faculty members.