Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday stressed that arduous measures need to be taken in order to avert the water crisis facing Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing the opening session of a two-day international symposium titled Creating a water secure Pakistan in Islamabad, the chief justice said that it is unfortunate that no one in Pakistan made any dedicated efforts to construct dams and water reservoirs in the past 40 years.

He said that water reserves in Pakistan have decreased to an alarmingly low level and if drastic measures are not taken now, Pakistan could run dry by 2025.

Justice Nisar said the judiciary could not have remained oblivious to the issue as it has the obligation to protect the interests of the citizens.

He said that the judiciary took this issue and passed a judgement, urging the executive to play its role for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam.

Justice Nisar said the dam fund was created as the country did not have the capital required to construct large dams.

"There was an overwhelming response from the public and even children and pensioners made contributions to this fund," he told the attendees of the symposium.

The chief justice added that the sensitisation of the issue at a national level has made the nation realise the importance of water conservation and management.