National water policy

This refers to the letter ‘National water challenge’ (May 2, 2025) by Dr Najeeb A Khan. According to the writer, as Pakistan is confronted with $29 billion in economic losses due to limited water storage capacity, we should start seeing the water availability issue as a ‘national challenge’ rather than a dispute between the federal government and provinces. This is a brilliant assessment indeed.

In light of our present struggles with India over the Indus Waters Treaty, it is all the more imperative that a ‘National Water Policy/Strategy’ ought to be developed and consented to by all five federating units. It should entail the development of dams, water conservation and recycling and the control of population growth. Water is our most important resource and critical to our economic development.

Abbas R Siddiqi

Lahore