Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) is implementing a UNESCO-funded project titled “Capacity Building on the Science-Policy-Practice Interface for Achieving Water Security for Pakistan.” The project aims to develop guidelines to strengthen the connection between scientific research, policy formulation, and practical implementation for ensuring water security in Pakistan.
A consultation workshop with stakeholders was held at PCRWR’s Regional Office in Lahore on September 25, 2024. Engr. Faakhar Raza, Regional Director, PCRWR, Lahore, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized the critical need for a structured Science Policy Practice Interface (SPPI) to address Pakistan’s growing water challenges. He also highlighted the importance of bridging gaps between scientific research, policy making, and practical solutions to ensure sustainable management of water resources.
Mr. Muhammad Kashif Manzoor, Deputy Director, PCRWR, Islamabad, presented an overview of the project’s background, objectives, and the importance of the consultation in shaping the guidelines for SPPI. This session set the tone for interactive discussions and feedback from participants, which included representatives from government agencies, academia, and local communities. Stakeholders from various key organizations such as Punjab Irrigation Department, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Lahore, Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Punjab Rural Support Programme (PRSP), Irrigation Research Institute (IRI), Water Resources Zone, Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority (PAPA), Kinnaird College for Women University, Punjab Agriculture Department, Punjab On-Farm Water Management Department, Environmental Protection Department, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), University of the Punjab, University of Lahore, Pakistan Metrological Office (PMD), National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan.
The stakeholders provided valuable insights into the gaps between policy and practice, sharing their perspectives on how scientific evidence can be effectively integrated into policy-making processes to manage water resources efficiently. Participants actively discussed various topics, including the role of scientific research in shaping water policies, the coherence of national and provincial policies, and the importance of inclusive decision-making platforms involving researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Faakhar Raza expressed his gratitude to the participants for their contributions and reaffirmed PCRWR’s commitment to driving forward the development of the SPPI guidelines. He underscored the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that policies addressing water security are informed by sound science and tailored to practical realities on the ground.