In the backdrop of population explosion, deforestation and industrial mobilisation, Pakistan is experiencing an acute water stress. Consequent upon it, lest we fail to adopt requisite remedies, the delayed efforts may hit a snag in confronting an anticipated challenge in the form of unprecedented water scarcity.
Rector National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust), Engr Muhammad Asghar said so as he made a strong case for raising awareness among media and policy stakeholders regarding two silent tsunamis of water and food shortage that can potentially harm the future of the country. He was addressing the inaugural session of one-day dialogue on Pakistan-From Food Bowl to Dustbowl, here on Monday, organised by School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (SCEE) in collaboration with Unesco at Nust. The policy briefing was a follow-up of the three-day international workshop on "Education for Managing Hydrological Extremes and Related Geo-hazards" held at Nust from January 24 to 26 2011.
Engr Muhammad Asghar hoped that the dialogue would serve as a stepping stone in devising water management techniques. He also expressed his gratitude over Unesco-Nust collaborative efforts in finding means to address the looming water scarcity issue. Dr Shahbaz Khan, Chief of Section on Sustainable Water Resources Development and Management, Unesco, France, presented a comprehensive comparative analysis of Pakistan's water problems. He pinpointed four fundamental water-related challenges facing the country including its geo-political vulnerability to rapid population increase and climate change. He laid great emphasis on efficient water management through technological advancement in this vital sector.-PR
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