Pakistan is experiencing an acute water stress in the backdrop of population explosion, deforestation and industrial mobilisation, said speakers at a policy dialogue here on Monday. They highlight the need to raise awareness through media and policymaking.
The dialogue session “Pakistan-From Food Bowl to Dust Bowl” was organised by School of Civil & Environmental Engineering in collaboration with UNESCO at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
The policy briefing was a follow-up of the three-day international workshop on “Education for Managing Hydrological Extremes and Related Geo-hazards” held at NUST from January 24 to 26.
NUST Rector Engr Muhammad Asghar said that it is essential to raise awareness among media and policymakers regarding two silent tsunamis of water and food shortage that can potentially harm the future of the country.
He asserted the dialogue would serve as a stepping stone in devising water management techniques.
Dr Shahbaz Khan, Chief of Section on Sustainable Water Resources Development and Management, UNESCO, France, presented a comprehensive comparative analysis of Pakistan’s water problems.
He pinpointed the four fundamental water-related challenges facing the country including its geo-political vulnerability to rapid population increase and climate change.
He laid emphasis on efficient water management through technological advancement in this vital sector.
“We are not prepared technologically and that makes us more susceptible to water crisis in comparison with other countries. Knowledge investment can lead to better water future,” he said.
UNESCO Pakistan Chapter Director Dr Kozue Kay Nagata, while addressing the gathering, stressed the need for taking urgent steps with regard to natural disaster management in Pakistan.
She said that though natural disasters are beyond human control, the risk factor can be reduced by means of utilising the immense potential of science and technology.
She said that Pakistan is unique in that not only does it witness floods of “biblical proportion” but is also afflicted by droughts from time to time.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2011.
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