Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned that all possible efforts be made to minimise load shedding across the country and stressed that any load management should be carried out strictly in a transparent and declared manner, in line with prior public announcements, so that citizens are fully informed and disruption is reduced.
The president made these directives amid chairing a meeting on water resources management here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where the meeting reviewed issues related to water availability, governance and regional developments affecting Pakistan’s water security, a Presidency’s news release said.
The president expressed concern over the weaponisation of water by India by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. He noted that the attempt to use water as a political tool is a matter of serious consequence. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures are pursued.
Addressing the issue of energy shortfalls linked to the regional situation, the president also directed authorities to accelerate water conservation efforts across the country. He called for the swift implementation of rainwater harvesting initiatives at domestic, commercial, and industrial levels, and directed that construction of small dams, recharge wells, and water storage infrastructure be expedited. The President emphasised that conserving water is a national imperative, particularly in the current regional climate.
The meeting also discussed broader regional developments. The President noted that stability in the region remains essential and expressed confidence that, with constructive engagement and sustained efforts by Pakistan, a workable path forward in the evolving situation involving Iran could be achieved.
Federal Minister for Water Resources, Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs and Inter Provincial Coordination Senator Rana Sanaullah Khan, Senator Saleem Mandviwala; Senator Sherry Rehman; Secretary Water Resources; Chairman WAPDA and Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Water were present during the meeting.
