President calls for transparent load shedding amid water, energy concerns

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday directed authorities to ensure that electricity load shedding is carried out in a declared and transparent manner, as the country faces energy shortfalls linked to water shortages and regional developments.

Chairing a meeting on water resources management at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president stressed that any power outages must follow prior public announcements so citizens remain informed and disruptions are minimized.

He instructed officials to make all possible efforts to reduce load shedding nationwide, while emphasising better coordination between water availability and power generation.

The meeting reviewed the broader water situation, including concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which the president described as an attempt to use water as a political tool with serious consequences for regional stability.

Zardari also called for urgent steps to conserve water, directing authorities to accelerate rainwater harvesting, build small dams, and expand water storage infrastructure to address growing shortages.

Discussing regional dynamics, he underlined the importance of stability and expressed optimism that ongoing diplomatic efforts could help ease tensions involving Iran.

Key cabinet members and senior officials, including water, energy and planning ministers, attended the meeting.