Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, underscored the critical importance of adopting science-based solutions to address Pakistan’s worsening water crisis, with a strong emphasis on improving water quality, supporting efficient irrigation systems, and promoting groundwater recharge in water-stressed regions.
Speaking during his visit to the headquarters of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) in Islamabad, the minister called for a national shift toward modern water management approaches. He particularly stressed the need to accelerate initiatives that promote water-saving technologies in agriculture, improve irrigation efficiency, and expand groundwater recharge interventions such as leaky dams and rainwater harvesting wells.
Established in 1964 and restructured under the Ministry of Water Resources in 2022, PCRWR is Pakistan’s premier research body responsible for advancing water resource management, improving drinking water quality, and developing irrigation and conservation strategies based on scientific evidence.
During his detailed visit, the minister toured PCRWR’s laboratories and technical units, reviewing the organization’s current operations. While he expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the staff, he directed the management to boost institutional effectiveness and deliver measurable impact for the benefit of water-stressed communities.
“Water-related challenges are at the heart of Pakistan’s development agenda,” said Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo. “PCRWR must take a lead role in promoting practical water-saving solutions in the agricultural sector and ensure these interventions reach the field level.”
He emphasized aligning PCRWR’s work with key national frameworks, particularly the National Water Policy 2018 and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. The minister also highlighted the urgency of expanding water quality monitoring, groundwater mapping, and research into irrigation pricing models to inform evidence-based policymaking.
The briefing included details of several forward-looking initiatives, notably an upcoming collaboration with South Korea to enhance PCRWR’s digital infrastructure and research capabilities. Titled “Improving PCRWR Research Infrastructure and Enhancing Integrated Water Resources Management Capacity”, the project aims to strengthen data-driven water planning and conservation strategies, aligned with SDG 6.
Notable upcoming efforts by PCRWR include:
• Expanding the National Water Quality Monitoring Program to 72 districts across Pakistan.
• Publishing the State of Water Quality in Pakistan annual report.
• Developing a National Water Budget and Water Scarcity Index.
• Conducting cost-benefit studies on irrigation water pricing models.
• Scaling up water-saving agricultural technologies.
• Implementing groundwater recharge projects, including leaky dams and rainwater harvesting wells, especially in drought-prone areas.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Wattoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting science-based water management and strengthening research institutions like PCRWR. He urged the council to intensify its field outreach, technical innovation, and public service to address the mounting water challenges facing Pakistan. – ER Report
