day panel discussion on, “Trans-boundary Water Sharing Issues” as part of Grand National Dialogue on November 23, 2022

Half-Day Panel Discussion on, “Trans-boundary Water Sharing Issues” as part of Grand National Dialogue on November 23, 2022 at PCRWR Headquarters, Islamabad

Pakistan Council of Research in Water resources (PCRWR) in collaboration with Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) has organized a half-day panel discussion on, “Trans-boundary Water Sharing Issues” as part of Grand National Dialogue on November 23, 2022 at PCRWR Headquarters, Islamabad. In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman PCRWR highlighted that sustainable water management is the key challenge being confronted by Pakistan due to inadequate water management practices and climate-induced water stress. Moreover, the situation is further aggravated in form of flooding and prolonged droughts due to the trans-boundary nature of the Indus River which originates from Tibetan plateau and disposes off into Arabian Sea after passing through India and Pakistan. Brig. Rashid Wali Janjua, Director Research, IPRI shared objectives of the panel discussion and its importance to chalk out policy measurements and strategy for improved cooperation with India and Afghanistan for sustainable water management in Pakistan. The panel discussion session was moderated by Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director, Riphah Institute of Public Policy, Islamabad. Key panelists of the discussion were Mr. Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Consultant, World Bank, Dr. Azeem Shah, International Researcher and Chief of Party (WMfEP), IWMI-Pakistan, Dr. Shakil Durani, Former Chief Secretary, KP/Sindh/AJK and Ex-Chairman-WAPDA, and Mr. Arshad H. Abbasi, Energy & Power Sector Specialist. It was deliberated that in the discussion that there is a need for strengthening of our national allied institutions to develop internal technical and legal capacity for better negotiations with India and Afghanistan. The panelists made deliberations on various aspects of transboundary challenges faced by Pakistan and suggested that through improving cooperation within the existing treaty, shared waters could be sustainably managed. A number of water experts, professionals from stakeholder organizations and university students participated in question answer session with the panelists.