Pakistan Water Week 2025: A Call for Integrated Solutions
Pakistan Water Week 2025 has officially kicked off, highlighting the urgent need for a holistic approach to addressing water, food, and climate challenges. Experts have emphasized that true resilience can only be achieved by integrating these critical areas rather than treating them as separate issues. The conference, themed “From Scarcity to Sustainability: Collaborative Pathways for Water, Food, and Climate Resilience,” brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, academics, government officials, development partners, and policy specialists from both within and outside Pakistan.
Dr. Mohammad Ashraf, Country Representative (IWMI Pakistan), welcomed participants and underscored the importance of science-based and inclusive solutions in tackling Pakistan’s growing water challenges. The event is organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan in collaboration with PCRWR, CGIAR Policy Innovations, and CGIAR Climate Action, with support from the EU, FCDO, UNICEF, and ICIMOD.
A Critical Moment for Water and Climate
Former irrigation and finance minister Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, who served as the chief guest, highlighted the pressing reality of climate change in Pakistan, which is already being felt through extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. He pointed out that water remains politically under-prioritized and fragmented in climate negotiations, despite its critical role in the country’s future. “Collaboration is the force multiplier that turns scarcity into sustainability,” he said.
In her keynote address, IWMI Deputy Director General Dr Rachael McDonnell emphasized that the conference comes at a crucial time. She noted that floods in June 2023 resulted in over 1,000 deaths and affected nearly seven million people. “The water crisis is a climate crisis,” she stated, adding that water must be placed at the center of COP processes and global climate negotiations. Pakistan currently has only 900 cubic meters of water per person, a stark reminder of the need for immediate and sustained action.
Rising Population and Water Security
Dr Mohsin Hafeez, Director of Water, Food and Ecosystem at IWMI, warned that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is placing immense pressure on an already fragile water system. Agriculture and urban expansion are outpacing available resources, leading the country to shift from ‘water-stressed’ to ‘water-scarce’ at an alarming rate. He called water security one of the country’s emerging national security risks, stressing the need for innovation and collective action across government, science, markets, and communities.
“Water security is vital for Pakistan’s future,” he added.
A Platform for Dialogue and Innovation
Pakistan Water Week 2025, now in its fifth edition, will feature 24 sessions and events throughout the week, including a High-Level Panel ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Key themes include the media’s role in communicating climate issues, smart solar irrigation, water accounting, groundwater governance, and climate-resilient agriculture. These discussions aim to foster collaboration and drive forward actionable solutions.
The conference is also accessible online, allowing a broader audience to participate free of charge.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, the importance of integrated water management cannot be overstated. Pakistan Water Week 2025 serves as a vital platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. With rising population pressures, unpredictable weather patterns, and dwindling water resources, the call for sustainable and resilient solutions has never been more urgent. The insights and actions taken during this conference could shape the future of water security not just for Pakistan, but for the entire region.