‘Afghanistan-Pakistan Shared Waters’ launched
The SWAT project worth $310 million, launched in January this year and will last for six years, is aimed at modernising irrigation practices, transition to smart subsidies and enhancing agricultural water productivity. photo: file
A book titled “Afghanistan-Pakistan Shared Waters: State of the Basins” was launched in the federal capital, focusing on water resources management in transboundary river basins shared between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The book launch ceremony was attended by foreign diplomats, government officials, and development sector representatives. The publication received funding from the USAID-Pakistan Mission through the Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) programme, implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), aimed at improving water management practices.
This book is the first-of-its-kind to be published following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. It represents a collaborative effort between experts from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite the challenges faced during the co-production process in shared river basins such as Kabul, Kurram, and Gomal.
Speakers at the event highlighted the significance of joint research and cooperation, emphasising the importance of addressing water security and climate resilience in the region. Stephen Berlinguette, Director of the Climate Sustainable Growth Office at USAID Pakistan, stressed the value of international collaboration and partnership.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2023.