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.

As part of this project, a National Consultation Workshop was organized at PCRWR, Islamabad, on January 29, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from government institutions, academia, research organizations, and the private sector. The workshop served as a platform to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities associated with strengthening the Science-Policy-Practice Interface (SPPI) in the water sector of the country.

Ms. Hifza Rasheed, Director General of PCRWR, Islamabad delivered the welcome address. In her remarks, she emphasized the urgent need for a structured and collaborative approach to address Pakistan’s increasing water challenges. She underscored the importance of bridging the gaps between scientific research, policy making, and its implementation to develop effective and sustainable solutions for water management. She highlighted that while Pakistan possesses a wealth of scientific research and technical expertise in the water sector, the lack of coordination between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners often hampers effective decision-making and implementation. She emphasized the critical need for a structured Science Policy Practice Interface (SPPI) to address Pakistan’s growing water challenges. She also highlighted the importance of bridging gaps between scientific research, policy making, and practical solutions to ensure sustainable management of water resources.

Mr. Kar Hung Antony Tam, Officer-In-Charge, UNESCO Pakistan, emphasized the critical role of the Science-Policy-Practice Interface (SPPI) in addressing Pakistan’s water security challenges. He highlighted that consultations have already been conducted across all four provinces of Pakistan and this would be the final consultation workshop. The insights gathered will be instrumental in developing comprehensive guidelines to bridge the gaps between scientific research, policy, and implementation. He stressed the need for holistic and inclusive approaches to tackle water security challenges, particularly in the wake of climate change. By fostering collaboration and evidence-based decision-making the issues may be solved. He expressed confidence that the project would lead to practical, sustainable solutions for Pakistan’s water security.

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 which set the tone for interactive discussions and feedback from participants of the workshop. 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.

During her concluding remarks, Ms. Bareerah Fatima, Deputy Director, Water Management, PCRWR, Islamabad expressed sincere gratitude to all the esteemed stakeholders for their valuable contributions during the final consultation on the Science Policy Practice Interface (SPPI) for Water Security in Pakistan. She acknowledged the dedication and expertise of everyone present, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to address water security challenges in the country. She concluded by encouraging all participants to remain engaged in future efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s water resources.