PM terms clean water a basic human right as President slams India over IWT violations

• Premier Shehbaz says water scarcity threatens livelihoods, education, and social equity in Pakistan

• ‘Women bear the heaviest burden in managing household water,’ says PM on World Water Day

• Says 18 dams under construction, including Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, Naulong, and Nai Gaj

• President Zardari condemns India’s suspension of IWT, stressing shared water resources crucial for food security and livelihoods of millions

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday underscored that access to clean water is a basic human right and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in water management and decision-making.

Speaking on the occasion of World Water Day, he also highlighted Pakistan’s urgent need to address water scarcity, while President Asif Ali Zardari called on India to immediately restore full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty in accordance with international obligations.

Observing this year’s World Water Day under the theme “Water and Gender Equality: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” the prime minister said the theme highlights that water conservation is not only a technical matter but also an issue of social justice and gender equality.

“Pakistan is facing a severe water crisis. Per capita water availability has dropped from 5,260 cubic meters at the time of independence to less than 1,000 cubic meters today,” he said, adding that unpredictable rainfall patterns and glacial changes due to climate change have further exacerbated the crisis.

PM Shehbaz stressed the gender dimension of water scarcity, noting that women, particularly in rural areas, bear primary responsibility for household water management. “Difficulty in water availability consumes their valuable time, affecting education and economic activities,” he said.

Government initiatives to secure water resources

The prime minister highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Water Policy to ensure sustainable water management. Under the Public Sector Development Program, the federal government is constructing 18 small, medium, and large dams, including key projects such as Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Mohmand Dam, which will increase water storage and provide drinking water.

He also mentioned projects including Naulong Dam and Nai Gaj Dam for agricultural irrigation, the Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) for Karachi’s water needs, the Chiniot Dam for Faisalabad, and the Kachhi Canal and Chashma Right Bank Canal to supply irrigation and drinking water to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plains.

“All these projects will enhance water availability, mitigate climate change impacts, and support sustainable economic development,” he said. Additionally, the government aims to reduce water wastage by 33% and increase canal system efficiency by 30%.

Using modern technology, the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is installing a telemetry system nationwide by 2027 to ensure transparency in river flows and facilitate timely resolution of inter-provincial water disputes.

“Pakistan is committed to protecting its national water rights and strongly condemns any form of water aggression,” the prime minister said, urging all institutions, civil society, and citizens to protect this vital resource and ensure inclusive, sustainable, and gender-sensitive water management.

President Zardari highlights Indus Waters Treaty violations

In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a “deliberate weaponization of shared water resources.” He said India’s actions disrupt hydrological data-sharing, impede agreed mechanisms, and violate the letter and spirit of an agreement that has governed the Indus river system for over six decades.

“This conduct threatens food and economic security, jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions, and sets a dangerous precedent for transboundary water management under international law,” he said.

The president also stressed the gender dimension of water scarcity, noting that women and girls bear the heaviest burden when safe water is unavailable close to home. “In many parts of Pakistan, they spend hours fetching water, time that could be used for education, work, or family,” he said, warning that lack of safe water also poses serious health risks.

President Zardari urged households and communities to adopt rainwater harvesting and other water conservation measures to replenish aquifers and increase water tables. He added that sustainable water use is vital for agriculture, urban life, and the natural environment, especially amid rising population pressures and climate variability.