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.

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