National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday called for a complete national consensus to solve Pakistan’s growing water crisis. He said short-term fixes are not enough and the country needs lasting policies focused on sustainable development.
Speaking at a parliamentary seminar on water governance held at Parliament House, the speaker urged both federal and provincial governments to make water harvesting a top priority. He also pressed for the introduction of sustainable water recycling systems at every level so that groundwater can be restored and precious resources saved.
Mr Sadiq made it clear that political differences must be put aside. “Water security is human security, economic security and national security,” he declared. He linked water conservation directly to food security, economic stability and the overall safety of the nation.
The speaker asked for special attention to the construction of water reservoirs and small dams. Close cooperation between the centre and the provinces, he said, is essential for proper management of water resources. Effective implementation of the National Water Policy and strong institutional coordination remain the key to long-term success.
He further stressed transparent use of funds meant for water projects and reminded that Parliament’s duty goes beyond making laws. It must also oversee public policies carefully. Responsible investment, modern technology, reduction of wastage and restoration of groundwater form the core of any serious water security strategy.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that Pakistan has not built a new major water reservoir in the last fifty years. He warned that storage capacity must be increased and new reservoirs constructed to face climate change. He also expressed concern that the Public Sector Development Programme has dropped sharply in real terms, limiting the country’s ability to fund important water projects.
Convenor of the Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs, Shaista Pervaiz, added that water security is not only about scarcity. It also means using and managing existing resources wisely. Protecting and strengthening Pakistan’s water assets is a shared national duty.
The seminar was attended by members of the National Assembly, senior officials and representatives from UNDP, World Bank, WaterAid and Unicef. All speakers agreed that only united action can secure clean water for future generations.
