We will contest our case if India encroaches upon our water rights: Asif
Khawaja Asif says govt is working on long-term plan to enhance water storage capacity
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif. PHOTO: REUTERS
LAHORE:
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said on Monday that if India encroaches upon our water rights, Pakistan will contest its case at an appropriate forum.
Addressing the media in Lahore, Asif said the government is preparing a comprehensive long- term plan to enhance water storage capacity, Radio Pakistan reported.
"Pakistan wants to resolve water issues with India," the minister further said.
He said several small and big water reservoirs will be built after reaching consensus with all stakeholders.
Asif said an amount of Rs100 billion was approved for the land acquisition of Diamer-Bhasha dam.
"Most of the land has been acquired and the international partners have expressed interest in the project," he added.
The minister also pointed out that the water shortage is a major issue faced by the country and that it needs to be conserved for survival. He said the network of drip irrigation system will be expanded as well in order to conserve the water.
Earlier addressing a function, the minister said the electricity crisis will be tackled in the next three years, while adding that the country is facing power shortage due to the negligence of previous governments.
On February 10, Asif had said Pakistan will face water crisis soon after the current power and gas shortage in the country.
Read: Pakistan to face water crisis after ongoing gas, power shortages: Khawaja Asif
Addressing a ceremony of Water and Power Development Authority in Lahore, the minister stressed that the authorities have failed to pay heed to this alarming issue.
“As citizens of Pakistan, we are in a habit of wasting energy,” he added.
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif said on Monday that if India encroaches upon our water rights, Pakistan will contest its case at an appropriate forum.
Addressing the media in Lahore, Asif said the government is preparing a comprehensive long- term plan to enhance water storage capacity, Radio Pakistan reported.
"Pakistan wants to resolve water issues with India," the minister further said.
He said several small and big water reservoirs will be built after reaching consensus with all stakeholders.
Asif said an amount of Rs100 billion was approved for the land acquisition of Diamer-Bhasha dam.
"Most of the land has been acquired and the international partners have expressed interest in the project," he added.
The minister also pointed out that the water shortage is a major issue faced by the country and that it needs to be conserved for survival. He said the network of drip irrigation system will be expanded as well in order to conserve the water.
Earlier addressing a function, the minister said the electricity crisis will be tackled in the next three years, while adding that the country is facing power shortage due to the negligence of previous governments.
On February 10, Asif had said Pakistan will face water crisis soon after the current power and gas shortage in the country.
Read: Pakistan to face water crisis after ongoing gas, power shortages: Khawaja Asif
Addressing a ceremony of Water and Power Development Authority in Lahore, the minister stressed that the authorities have failed to pay heed to this alarming issue.
“As citizens of Pakistan, we are in a habit of wasting energy,” he added.