ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Task Force on Water Scarcity and its Impact on Rabi and Kharif Crops was held on Thursday to deliberate over key measures to address growing water challenges, including promotion of rainwater harvesting, reduction of water wastage, and the design of pilot interventions to support drought-affected farmers.

Co-chaired by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, and Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mohammad Moeen Wattoo, the task force discussed the importance of engaging development donors and international partners in addressing these issues.

A statement issued here said that Dr Musadik Malik inquired about the current water flow and levels across the country, including both internal resources and cross-border inflows.

He said the core objective of the task force was to identify practical and forward-looking solutions to Pakistan’s existing and potential water scarcity.

He also underlined the need for preparedness in the event of any disruption to cross-border water flows, particularly in light of regional dynamics.

The ministers jointly reviewed the agricultural and domestic demand for water, analysed causes for recurring shortages, and discussed the year-on-year variance in water availability.

The task force was directed to compile and analyse data from the past 40 years to identify underlying trends and better inform policy decisions.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025