‘National Water Policy’ needed to tackle serious threat to Pakistan’s supply system

Islamabad: The speakers at a water conference stressed that a comprehensive consensus oriented National Water Policy was the need of the hour to pursue an effective water strategy considering climate change factor which was a serious threat to Pakistan’s water supply system.

The inaugural session of 4th International Water Conference on ‘Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management for Sustainable Development & Businesses’, organised by Riphah Institute of Public Policy a constituent Institute of Riphah International University and Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) in collaboration with University of Haripur, Peshawar University, Abasyn University and Saving Humanity Foundation International (SHFINT) from December 19-21, 2017 in Islamabad.

During the course of three days, the conference will highlight critical water issues and challenges and to explore ways and means for integrated water recourse development and management to attain sustainable development through scientifically-sound advice under various themes including; Climate change, water, food & energy security; Disaster risk reduction, safety planning & business continuity; Water scarcity & resource management; Impact of industrial effluents & water quality and Socio-hydrology & Trans-boundary diplomacy and Perspective.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Sartaj Aziz who was chief guest at the inaugural session appreciated the unique combination of government, educational and development sectors to highlight the most alarming issue of ‘water’ and its challenges.

Sartaj apprised the audience about the ongoing projects of government to overcome the water challenges that Pakistan is facing. He appreciated the efforts of Riphah International University, PCRWR and other academic and non-governmental organization in organizing thought provoking session on a challenging issue.

Leading national and International Universities and R&D organisations, Water experts are participating in the conference through 66 scholarly paper presentations.

Dr. Ashraf, Chairman (PCRWR), Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, VC Riphah International University, Dr. Abid Fareed, VC University of Haripur, Prof. Dr. Umer Farooq, (VC Abasyn University), Dr. Ejaz Ikram, (Advisor NDU). Dr. Mushtaq Manget, (Secretary General Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan), Dr. Rashid Aftab (Director Riphah Institute of Public Policy), Dr. Kamran Azam Secretary Conference also addressed the conference.

They were of the view that water is the key element for the socio-economic development of any country and we must not only view sustainability as a problem of science, engineering, or economics; it is also founded on values, ethics, and the equal contributions of different cultures.

The conference deliberations and technical sessions taking the holistic approach to address the water sector of the country which has led to serious issues of; water scarcity, resource depletion and contamination. The uncertainty introduced with climate change has further complicated the scenario. The conference is aimed at addressing water sustainability challenges, from the perspective of access, equity, hazards and policy reforms.