Experts Warn of Urban Water Crisis, Call for Immediate Policy Interventions

Islamabad: The WWF-Pakistan organized a seminar under the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative (APWASI), supported by the Australian Government, titled ‘Water-Sensitive Principles and Practices for Resilient and Liveable Cities in Pakistan’. The event brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, and national and international experts to address the growing water challenges faced by Pakistan’s urban centers due to rapid urbanization and climate change.

The seminar emphasized the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and nature-based solutions (NBS) to build resilient and liveable cities. Experts highlighted the severe pressures on water resources, which have resulted in limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services for millions of urban residents, particularly those living below the poverty line.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, underscored the critical situation, stating, “Pakistan’s urban centers are facing increasing climate risks due to rapid urbanization and changing climate patterns. Many people in cities live below the poverty line, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and basic services.” He stressed the importance of integrated water management, nature-based solutions, and cross-sector collaboration to enhance urban resilience and improve community well-being.

Nicole Guihot, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient strategies. “Water is a precious resource – on this we all agree. We must continue to find ways to become more climate-resilient as our populations and living conditions change,” she said.

The seminar showcased best practices in urban water management, drawing lessons from Australia’s Water-Sensitive Cities (WSCs) concept. This holistic approach focuses on managing the water cycle to create cities that are liveable, resilient, sustainable, and productive. Key solutions discussed included rain gardens, green spaces, community-based wastewater management, aquifer recharge zones, and rainwater harvesting.

Sadar Khan Zimri, Director General of Islamabad Water, praised the initiative, stating, “This initiative, implemented in disadvantaged communities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, will serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan, demonstrating how urban areas can efficiently manage water resources and build climate resilience.”

A panel discussion explored opportunities to integrate WSC principles into Pakistan’s policy framework. Panelists, including Prof. Tony Wong from Monash University, Dr. Masood Arshad of WWF-Pakistan, Ghazala Chanar from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, and Anna Balance from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), emphasized the need for policy interventions and cross-sector collaboration to achieve sustainable urban water management.

Through APWASI, WWF-Pakistan has been working to enhance water security in marginalized communities such as Farash Town in Islamabad and James Town in Rawalpindi. The initiative focuses on inclusive development, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has access to essential water resources, decision-making, and learning opportunities.

The seminar concluded with a strong call for integrated approaches to address water scarcity, flooding, and deteriorating water quality in urban areas. Experts urged stakeholders to prioritize nature-based solutions and sustainable practices to build resilient and liveable cities for future generations.