Pakistan Water Week 2022

Role of Water-Food-Energy and Ecosystem Nexus for a Climate Resilient Pakistan

October 24^th-28^th, 2022

The Ministry of Water Resources, through the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in collaboration with International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan, ICARDA and CGIAR’s Water Land and Ecosystem (WLE) flagship program, is jointly organizing a Pakistan Water Week 2022 International Conference with the theme Role of Water-Food-Energy and Ecosystem Nexus for a Climate Resilient Pakistan from 24th-28th October.

In 1980, Pakistan had a relatively abundant supply of water. In 2000, Pakistan had become water-stressed. And by 2035, Pakistan is predicted to have become water scarce. Climate change and COVID-19 have only exacerbated the problems facing Pakistan and its use of water.
And so, Pakistan Water Week 2022, the first-ever event of its kind, aims to bring together academics, government officials, NGOs, and policy experts from home and abroad to discuss the problems facing Pakistan today. For example, one serious problem is the lack of reliable, accurate and actionable data. Another problem is over-extraction and depletion of groundwater resources. And disparate policies in the various sectors of water, food security and climate change make implementation more difficult.

While identifying problems, however, Pakistan Water Week 2022 will also focus on climate resilient solutions, both digital innovations along with those based on nature. In addition, the role of the media and of women’s leadership will also be explored in the context of water. Ultimately, the goal of Pakistan Water Week 2022 is to figure out strategies to meet the competing water needs of different sectors, design a research plan that will guide investments in applied research and development, identify sustainable water management strategies that take climate change into account, and identify gaps in policies and practices that can be filled with better scientific understanding.

But in addition to high-level policy discussions, Pakistan Water Week 2022 will also incorporate a public awareness campaign which includes the use of social media, exhibitions highlighting the coordination between the private water sector with the academic and public sectors, a poster competition for university students and the use of games and debate competitions to raise awareness among younger students.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan is one of the world’s largest countries by population, and also has one of the world’s largest Muslim populations. While the country of Pakistan is young – having been formed in 1947 after gaining independence from the United Kingdom – it has a rich and ancient culture and history. While agriculture is a big part of the economy, Pakistan also boasts great cities, such as the cosmopolitan Karachi and the ancient city of Lahore.

Pakistan also boasts many ancient sites, of which Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most famous. Located on the banks of the Indus river, the site’s ruins trace how cities and towns evolved over thousands of years on the subcontinent. And in Lahore, Shalamar Gardens, another UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the grandeur of the art and architecture of the Mughal era.

From the beaches of Gwadar, to the fertile fields of the Punjab, to the Thar desert in Sindh, to the majesty of the Himalayas, to the Kewra salt mines, Pakistan’s landscape is incredibly varied and stunning.

 ISLAMABAD

Located in the northwestern part of Pakistan, Islamabad is a relatively modern city. Built in 1960, this sister city to Rawalpindi is the capital of the country and fairly cosmopolitan. The city attracts both foreigners and other Pakistanis because of the city’s modern and orderly design, excellent infrastructure, and relatively milder temperatures.

The Margalla Hills, to the north of Islamabad, are also home to two spots that have great views of the city and the surrounding areas: Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa. Margalla Hills National Park also has hiking trails and is home to wildlife such as leopards, boars, and the Himalayan goral. The Lok Virsa Museum showcases folk and traditional cultures through handicrafts and art. Saidpur Village is a centuries-old hamlet that also highlights the rich history of the area. And the Faisal Mosque is a notable landmark.

Befitting a modern city, Islamabad, in addition to being the capital, boasts over 20 universities and several technology parks. With one of the country’s highest literacy rates, it has become one of Pakistan’s major commercial and educational hubs.