Islamabad: 27 February: “In Pakistan’s urban areas, the combined effects of rapid population growth and climate change have severely strained water resources and hindered access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services. To address these challenges, it is crucial to enhance urban planning through the promotion of sustainable water management practices and nature-based solutions (NBS)”. The ‘Water-Sensitive Principles and Practices for Resilient and Liveable Cities in Pakistan’ held in the city explored these concepts. WWF-Pakistan organized this workshop under its four-year Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative (APWASI), supported by the Australian Government. 

 

The event brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society representatives, and national and international experts, to explore policy interventions and discuss water management and governance mechanisms, paving the way for sustainable and climate-resilient cities in Pakistan.

 

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General, WWF-Pakistan, said that due to rapid urbanization and changing climate patterns, Pakistan’s urban centers face increasing climate risks, including flooding, water scarcity, and deteriorating water quality. He further said that many people in cities are living below the poverty line, with little or no access to clean drinking water, sanitation, health, and education. “We are working with partners to promote nature-based solutions, integrated water management, and cross-sector collaboration that can enhance urban resilience and improve the well-being of communities,” he added. 

 

“Water is a precious resource – on this we all agree,” said Nicole Guihot, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan. Ms Guihot added, “we must continue to find ways through which to become more climate resilient as our populations and living conditions change.” 

 

The workshop highlighted best practices in urban water management and lessons learned from the Australian-based concept of Water-Sensitive Cities (WSCs), featuring insights from leading experts from Australia and Pakistan. WSCs is a nature-based approach that focuses on holistic management of the integrated water cycle in order to make cities liveable, resilient, sustainable, and productive. This approach advocates for the adoption of sustainable water management solutions including rain gardens and green spaces, community-based wastewater management, aquifer recharge zones, and rainwater harvesting, among others. 

 

Sadar Khan Zimri, Director General Islamabad Water, appreciated WWF-Pakistan's and the Australian Government's efforts to demonstrate the best practices for water-sensitive urban design in Pakistan. “This initiative, implemented in disadvantaged communities of twin cities, will serve as a model for other cities of Pakistan, showcasing how urban areas can efficiently manage water resources and build climate resilience,” he added.

 

Through APWASI, WWF-Pakistan has shown commitment to uplifting two marginalized communities of Farash Town in Islamabad and James Town in Rawalpindi by enhancing water security and promoting inclusive development. The initiative focuses on ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has access to essential water resources, decision-making, and learning opportunities. 

 

A panel discussion was also held, which explored the opportunities for integrating WSC principles into Pakistan’s policy framework, featuring contributions from Prof Tony Wong from Monash University, Dr Masood Arshad, Senior Director WWF-Pakistan; Ghazala Chanar, Deputy Chief Water Resources, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Anna Balance, Senior Climate Change and Environment Advisor Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).