Gilani Calls For Legislation, Oversight To Turn Water Commitments Into Action
UrduPoint reports that on November 2, 2026, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani addressed the Pakistan Water Week 2026 in Islamabad. He emphasized the need for stronger groundwater governance, sustained funding, and practical measures to protect farmers and communities from floods and water shortages.
During his speech, Gilani highlighted three key areas for parliamentary action:
- Enforceable legislation: He called for the full implementation of provincial water laws.
- Effective oversight: Ensuring policies reach farmers and flood warnings reach villages in time.
- Sustained funding: Prioritizing prevention alongside disaster relief and carefully regulating groundwater extraction.
The Senate Chairman recalled the challenges Pakistan faced during the 2010 floods and the declining water availability. He emphasized the need for a water-secure and flood-resilient Pakistan by 2047, reiterating that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and binding.
Gilani also noted the positive impact of solar-powered pumps but stressed the importance of accompanying them with rules governing groundwater extraction. He encouraged sharing reliable data to build trust between provinces and involved women, young people, and farming communities in water management.