Experts urge solutions for WASH crisis

KARACHI:

Experts, public health professionals, and civil society representatives unanimously underscored the need for sustainable, long-term reforms in Pakistan's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems to meet growing climate and public health challenges.

They were speaking at an event, titled "Envisioning and Catalysing PATS Plus for SDG 6 in Pakistan," held in Karachi and marked the conclusion of a programme that worked across 410 villages to make them open defecation free, constructed over 12,000 household toilets, and provided safe drinking water to 21,000 people through solar-powered systems.

While the achievements were lauded, participants stressed that pilot projects must now evolve into sustainable, government-led models. They warned that without political commitment, financial investment, and integration into public systems, such progress may not be sustained.

"In the flood-prone rural areas of Sindh, clean water and safe sanitation remain elusive for many. This is a reality that may no longer surprise public health workers, but it continues to shock first-time visitors," said one participant.