Breakthrough in Water Management: Pakistan Develops National Water Assessment Guidelines
IWMI and the Government of Pakistan collaborate to draft National Water Assessment Guidelines to ensure sustainable water use and climate resilience.
National Water Assessment Guidelines are finally being developed in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in sustainable water governance. In a joint effort by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Government of Pakistan, national-level guidelines are being designed to better assess and manage water resources, with a focus on climate resilience, transparency, and sustainability.
The initiative supports Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and aligns with the country’s National Climate Change Policy. This strategic move is expected to strengthen data-driven decision-making, facilitate inter-provincial collaboration, and enhance climate adaptation strategies.
A Unified National Vision for Water
Held in Islamabad, the National Consultative Workshop served as the foundation for this forward-thinking project. Participants included policymakers, hydrologists, and technical experts from Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The primary aim was clear: to create science-backed, inclusive, and practical water assessment guidelines that can serve all provinces equally while incorporating global best practices.
Key Highlights from the National Workshop
Expert Opinions and Institutional Support
Mahr Sahibzad Khan, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, opened the session, emphasizing the need for hydrological modelling and digital innovation. He stated:
“This is a joint effort to develop guidelines that reflect the needs of all provinces. We must view water not as a crisis but as a resource.”
Other prominent figures such as Dr Rachael McDonnell (IWMI Deputy Director) and Dr Mohsin Hafeez (WRAP Programme) also contributed to the session.
The event showcased collaboration between institutions such as:
- IWMI
- Federal Flood Commission
- FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Water Resources Commissions of multiple provinces
Global and Local Perspectives
Rising Global Water Demands
Dr Rachael McDonnell highlighted the growing water stress globally, noting that in some regions, water use has increased by 40% between 1995 and 2025. She added:
“Water security is intricately tied to food, energy, and climate adaptation—especially in a country like Pakistan where geography and governance differ vastly.”
Technology-Driven Water Solutions
Embracing Innovation
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the event was the consensus on digital tools and AI-driven assessments. Experts discussed incorporating:
- Satellite imagery
- Remote sensing
- AI for crop and water-use mapping
- Real-time digital monitoring systems
These innovations are vital for accurate and timely Water Resource Assessments in Pakistan.
Strategic Direction: Towards Integrated Water Resource Management
Dr Mohsin Hafeez advocated for adopting the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework, which enables:
- Quantification of available water
- Monitoring of usage patterns
- Estimation of water lost to evaporation and inefficiency
This approach helps develop evidence-based governance, making water management more accountable and transparent.
“Our focus is to support the government in using credible data for long-term water governance,” said Dr Hafeez.
Provincial Engagement and Collaborative Efforts
Group Discussions and Technical Inputs
Participants engaged in three focused group discussions, addressing:
- Current gaps in water assessment systems
- Need for inter-provincial data-sharing
- Integration of surface and groundwater datasets
- Role of Water Resource Commissions in provincial implementation
AI integration for hydropower planning and water allocation systems also received unanimous support.
Key Provincial Representatives
- Dr Muhammad Riaz (Punjab)
- Engr Rooh Ul Mohsin (KP)
- Engr Nasir Majeed and Dr Zahoor Ahmad Bazai (Balochistan)
- Dr Zakir Hussain Dahri (Sindh)
- Ijaz Hussain Khawaja (AJK)
- Sher Jahan (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Their shared commitment underlines the strength of a collective national water agenda.
Policy Integration and the Road Ahead
The proposed National Water Assessment Guidelines will form the backbone of upcoming policies and projects. The guidelines will be closely aligned with:
- Pakistan’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- National Climate Change Policy
What Comes Next?
- Draft guidelines will be reviewed and finalized.
- Pilot testing in selected provinces.
- Establishment of a central water data repository.
- Capacity-building for local and provincial water agencies.
Conclusion
The development of National Water Assessment Guidelines marks a positive turning point in Pakistan’s journey toward climate resilience and sustainable water use. By integrating modern technologies, engaging provincial voices, and aligning with international standards, Pakistan is setting an example for evidence-based water governance in South Asia.
As climate challenges grow, such proactive initiatives can ensure that water remains not just a vital resource, but also a strategic asset for future generations.
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