Islamabad: World Wide Fund for Nature – Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) has launched a critical report for the development of integrated river basin management for the Indus Basin, Pakistan’s largest freshwater resource. Mr. Nadeem Ul Haq (Deputy Chairman - Planning Commission of Pakistan) was the Chief Guest at the occasion. He was joined by officials from WWF – Pakistan, officials from the concerned Federal Ministries authorities (climate change, water, FFC, IRSA, ICIMOD, WAPDA, MET) academics, multilateral donor organisations and embassy and consulates staff.
The report, authored by Simi Kamal, Dr. Pervaiz Amir, and Mr. Khalid Mohtadullah, who are veterans in the water sector, highlights the urgent need of conserving Pakistan’s water resources by Integrated Management of River Indus. Since water is necessary for all human activities, the report suggests a comprehensive programme to save and sustainably manage freshwater resources in Pakistan by sharing the benefits over land and water resources.
The authors of the book added, “The study has special focus on Indus Basin, scientifically assessing the causes that have increased the current water crisis along with determining the gaps in the overall administrative and response mechanisms that have contributed to the present situation besides the natural calamity.”
Mr. Ali Hassan Habib, Director General WWF - Pakistan welcomed the audience and talked about the need of development of an Integrated River Basin Management for Indus and incorporating it at the policy level.
Dr. Nadeem ul Haq, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission in his speech agreed with the contents of the report. He stressed that the kind of management challenges we have in Water sector are a reflection of our management challenges in the other sectors. He further said that intolerance to technical expertise should be done away with.
Speaking on the occasion, the Water Policy Manager of WWF – Pakistan, Mr Ali Hasnain Sayed said, “Water is directly linked to the larger issues of food and energy security, and the environmental and social effects of climate change. In this context WWF - Pakistan conducted this study on analysis of water management sectors working in Pakistan and laid down the suggestions for holistic management of the resource under the experience of veterans.”
The guest of honour praised the efforts of WWF – Pakistan in highlighting this issue and endorsed the report, which he hopes will be taken up by researchers, engineers, water experts, policy makers and development officials within appropriate Ministries for a positive step forward in water management and conservation.
Mr. Ayub Qutub highlighted the need of aligning the study with the political agenda and it was largely agreed by the authors and experts.
The note of thanks was given by Dr. Ejaz Ahmed, Senior Director, WWF - Pakistan.
About WWF - Pakistan:
World Wide Fund for Nature - Pakistan was formed in 1970 to address the growing environmental and conservation issues in Pakistan that not only affected the flora and fauna, but were also affecting the human population. WWF – Pakistan is a non-profit organisation, working to preserve, conserve and save our environment and natural resources. Today, WWF - Pakistan works through 31 offices with a team of approximately 340 dedicated staff members. We have our Head Office in Lahore, regional offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Quetta, and project offices wherever there is need and the potential to make a difference.
For more information about the report & its contents please contact:
Ali Hasnain Sayed
Manager Water Policy, WWF - Pakistan
Cell: 0300 8429 374
Email: ahsayed@wwf.org.pk