ISLAMABAD: Director of Agrifood Innovation and Resilience at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Dr Claudia Ringler has called for an integrated, whole-of-government approach to address Pakistan’s growing water challenges, stressing the need for coordinated investments, climate resilience, youth engagement and stronger water governance.
Addressing the closing session of the five-day Sixth Pakistan Water Week 2026 international conference on Thursday, she said water challenges could not be addressed by water management agencies alone, emphasising the need for collective action across government institutions and sectors.
Reviewing the conference deliberations, Dr Ringler highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation among Himalayan countries to understand and address increasing risks associated with glacial instability, rockfalls and other climate-induced hazards.
Referring to discussions on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), she stressed the need for Pakistan to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6.1 and 6.2, relating to safe drinking water and sanitation, respectively.
She called for better alignment of federal and provincial WASH plans and improved coordination among relevant institutions to achieve the 2030 targets.
Highlighting the importance of data-driven technologies, she said integrated water modelling could help balance the competing demands of cities, agriculture, energy and ecosystems while identifying trade-offs and developing mutually beneficial solutions.
On water infrastructure, she emphasised the need for comprehensive evaluation frameworks incorporating agricultural, financial, economic, environmental, social and governance considerations to ensure sustainable benefits from development projects.
Drawing attention to groundwater challenges, particularly in Balochistan, she called for greater investment in managed aquifer recharge, noting that extreme water scarcity and groundwater depletion had made such interventions increasingly urgent.
She also stressed the importance of integrating groundwater recharge initiatives with nature-based solutions, including wetland and river restoration, to improve groundwater retention and strengthen ecosystem management.
Dr Ringler called for greater youth participation in water policy discussions and conference plenary sessions, observing that present-day water management decisions would directly influence future generations’ economic opportunities, food security and nutrition.
She also proposed introducing a youth innovation award to encourage technology-driven solutions, particularly through artificial intelligence, for improving water management and quality.
Highlighting the water sector’s role in climate change mitigation, she called for integrating adaptation and emissions-reduction initiatives, including shifting from diesel-powered systems to solar energy, reducing methane emissions from sewage systems and improving water-use efficiency in agriculture and irrigation.
Addressing the participants, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mueen Wattoo reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty through lawful and peaceful means and called for international support for compliance with the treaty and the binding arbitration award.
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026
