A meeting between experts of Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and Korean experts from Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), K-Water and Urban Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy was held on August 4, 2021 in the PCRWR Islamabad to discuss the implementation of the newly approved Project “Capacity Building on Water Quality Monitoring and SDG 6 (6.1) Reporting” approved at a cost of 7.4 Million USD with the sponsorship of KOICA. This project includes strengthening of 36 Public Health laboratories in Punjab, 07 in KP and 01 laboratory of PCRWR Islamabad. The project also includes an intensive training program for policy makers, laboratory managers & technicians in K-Water Academy, Korea as well as in the National Capacity Building Institute (NCBI) of PCRWR Pakistan.

Chairman PCRWR, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf briefed the Korean Experts on the research, development and capacity building initiatives of PCRWR specifically on Water Management and Water Quality. He also briefed them on the planned role of PCRWR in this project to enhance the technical capabilities of Public Health Engineering Departments in KP and Punjab to improve the safe water access. Secretary, PCRWR Engr. Faizan ul Hassan demonstrated the Indus Telemetric System, Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge Technologies at PCRWR premises. Dr. Hifza Rasheed, Director General (WQ) demonstrated the water quality assessment and management facilities of ISO-17025 accredited National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) of PCRWR, and National Capacity Building Institute (NCBI).

The Deputy Director, KOICA, Mr. Junho Choi appreciated the contribution of PCRWR in addressing the water challenges of Pakistan. It is worth mentioning here that PCRWR has contributed in conceptualization and development of this Pak-KOICA joint project and will be the main partner in the project implementation.