ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked World Water Day with urgent warnings from top leadership, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the country’s worsening water crisis and called for stronger national and international action.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is increasingly facing the challenge of water scarcity due to climate change and shifting glacial patterns. He noted that changes in climatic and glacial regimes have significantly increased risks to water availability, stressing that clean water remains a basic human right.
The premier emphasised that securing water resources for the future is a top government priority. He said the government is implementing key reforms under the National Water Policy to address the crisis.
He revealed that work is under way on 18 small, medium, and large dams aimed at boosting water storage capacity. The government is also working to reduce water losses by 33 percent through improvements in the canal system and increase efficient water usage by 30 percent.
The PM highlighted the installation of a telemetry system to improve transparency in water distribution. He said the system will enable real-time monitoring of river flows and help resolve long-standing inter-provincial water distribution issues. These measures are expected to strengthen trust and efficiency in Pakistan’s water management framework.
PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of ensuring women’s representation in water management and decision-making processes. He said inclusive participation is essential for sustainable water solutions and long-term national progress.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its national water rights with determination. He also strongly condemned any form of “water aggression,” signalling concerns over regional disputes.
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