‘Water conservation everyone’s responsibility’

Islamabad : Declaring water conservation as the responsibility of every individual, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said it was essential to effectively tackle environmental challenges and achieve the development goals set under the 5Es framework.

He linked water conservation to the country’s broader goals of energy sustainability, equity and export-oriented growth. "Energy generation, agricultural exports, and social justice all depend on the wise use of water," he said in a World Water Day message, reinforcing the interconnectedness of water with the nation's long-term economic and social aspirations.

The minister said water was not only "the soul of life" but also a cornerstone for building prosperous and developed economies.

"Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, industry, energy and daily life. However, Pakistan is grappling with two starkly contrasting realities: increasing flood risks due to climate change, and the rapidly depleting water reserves that threaten the foundations of our development," he said. Highlighting the government's commitment to sustainable development, Prof Ahsan Iqbal outlined the key components of the country's 5Es vision under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative.

"Environment is a vital pillar of this vision," he said adding that the government was taking multifaceted actions to manage water resources more effectively.

The minister said those measures included the construction of new dams, the implementation of modern irrigation systems, the promotion of water recycling, and the adoption of smart water management technologies.

He urged people to adopt responsible water usage practices in their daily lives.

Prof Ahsan Iqbal expressed hope for a future where Pakistan ensures clean, safe and abundant water for generations to come. "Together, we can create an environmentally responsible, sustainable, and developed Pakistan," he said.