Musadik Malik Calls For Scaling Up Groundwater Recharge To Protect Islamabad Aquifers
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, has urged for intensifying groundwater recharge initiatives to combat the decreasing water table in Islamabad. Addressing an event titled "Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers" at the United Nations Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) auditorium on September 1st, 2026, he emphasized the significance of expanding recharge well projects beyond their current scope.
Dr. Malik revealed that approximately 200 recharge wells have been constructed in the capital city, leading to a modest water table rise of 0.4 millimeters, contrasting a previous decline of 1.5 meters. He advocated for further efforts to reduce groundwater depletion and reverse this trend. While acknowledging the recharge well initiative as a notable achievement, he stressed it should not be considered a permanent solution.
The minister also brought attention to the need for improved surface water and groundwater management following recent heavy rainfall in Islamabad, recording around 200 millimeters of precipitation. He discussed the impact of flooding in certain areas and directed relevant authorities and organizations to address the situation promptly.
Expressing concern over water quality, Dr. Malik highlighted the operation of treatment facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, aiming to reduce contamination. However, he emphasized the necessity for sustained focus on maintaining high-quality water. He raised delays in establishing an additional water treatment plant, attributing them to bureaucratic hurdles despite repeated tendering processes.
Dr. Malik touched upon Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its water interests and the crucial role of international treaties and legal mechanisms in ensuring water security. He underscored the importance of adhering to global agreements for stability and the protection of shared water resources-dependent countries’ rights. Furthermore, he introduced the Clean Environment Fund initiated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, aiming to foster private sector participation in environmental initiatives.
