Textile Institute of Pakistan and University of Bolton, UK have jointly developed an innovative filtration plant that could potentially be the answer to water related issues worldwide. The system uses Geosynthetic materials IXT (ion exchange textiles) to provide clean well water. The research can be fully marketed at international level with masses benefiting greatly. And since the materials are regenerative in nature, the solution would be cost effective. Some other Pak universities too are working in tackling problems associated with drinking water. Higher Education Commission (HEC), and higher education institutions are playing a pivotal role in resolving issues related to safe water.
This research is done in collaboration with leading American and British universities. It may be noted here that majority of Pakistan’s population does not have access to clean drinking water, hence more than 40% of reported diseases are water borne. An estimated 250,000 child deaths in Pakistan every year are due to water borne disease. Research projects being done jointly with US universities are:
Assessment and Development of Renewable Groundwa-ter Resources in Quetta Valley, by University of Balochistan, jointly with Western Michigan University and the University of Houston, USA Removal of Arsenic from Drinking Water Using Iron Ores as Low CostReactive Adsorbent Media between University of Engineering and Technology Pakistan and University of Arizona USA, Capacity Building for Research, Education and Training in Water Resources Management in Pakistan between UET Pakistan and University of South California USA, Small Scale Sewage Treatment and Wastewater Reuse System for Pakistan between Quaid-e- Azam University and George Washington University USA Water, sanitation, health and hygiene interventions in a northern Pakistani Village between Karakoram International University and National Institute of Health, USA.
Similarly apart from the above mentioned project of the filtration plant, lead researchers from Pakistan and England have shared expertise between UET Lahore and Newcastle University through bilateral research exchanges and capacity building in developing Water Scarcity Management Strategies in Upper Indus Basin. According to an HEC press release, Chairman HEC Dr Javaid R Laghari said that HEC’s goal is to develop local expertise and indigenous technology through strong collaborations with research groups in leading foreign universities. These projects are based on exchange of knowledge and technology.
Pakistani researc-hers got vital information at workshops, conferences, seminars and lectures. It helped them build capacity to resolve issues pertaining to unsafe and unclean drinking water in Pakistan. Dr. Laghari assured that HEC would continue to work closely with the government to share the expertise of higher education sector to resolve various problems facing masses of Pakistan.
