ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Education and Reforms Prof. Ahsan Iqbal has
said that food, water and energy are the most important factors that are required for the
development of a country.
Addressing the 3rd International Water Conference on Water Security andamp; Sustainable Growth
organised by Riphah International University in collaboration with SHFINT, University of
Haripur and PCRWR in Islamabad, he said unfortunately all the successive governments have
overlooked them and now we are facing the consequences. The government along with the help
of private sector as well as academia can achieve the required target.
“We are focusing on the water challenge now and working on Diamir Bhasha Dam. We are also
trying to save the coastal areas from corrosion. We are the most inefficient users of water in the
country,” he added.
The conference highlighting critical water issues and challenges and to explore way and means
for integrated water recourse development and management to attain sustainable development
through scientifically-sound advice under the various themes including; Climate change, Water
security, trans-boundary, Water quality and Water Policies andamp; practices. Leading national and
International Universities and Randamp;D Organization, Water experts are participating in the
conference through scholarly paper presentations.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the unique combination of government, educational and
development sectors to highlight the most alarming issue of water scarcity. He apprised the
audience about the ongoing projects of government to overcome the water challenges that
Pakistan is facing.
Fazal Abbas Maken, Federal Secretary Sandamp;T, Nisar Memon, Former Federal Minister, Dr. Anis
Ahamd, V.C Riphah University, Dr. Naseer V.C, Haripur University, Dr. Ashraf, Chairman,
PCRWR and ambassadors of Palestine, Tajikstan and Counselor of Sudan were also present at
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. It was further stressed that comprehensive consensus oriented National Water
Policy is the need of time to pursue an effective water strategy considering climate change factor
which is a serious threat to Pakistans water supply system.
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 aims to address water sustainability challenges, from the perspective of
access, equity, hazards and policy reforms.