Pakistan Needs Reliable Water Data and Political Commitment for Better Governance: IWMI Expert
IWMI Pakistan Country Representative Dr Muhammad Ashraf called for stronger institutions, water accounting and auditing, and clearer implementation of the National Water Policy to support sustainable resource management.
ISLAMABAD (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Nov, 2026) Effective water governance in Pakistan requires a comprehensive framework backed by reliable data, a strong legal system, capable institutions, professional expertise and, above all, strong political support and commitment, as highlighted by the water governance expert.
Strengthening Water Governance in Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf emphasized the following key aspects for effective water governance:
- Institutional Capacity: Strengthening institutions is crucial for managing water resources effectively.
- Water Resource Assessment: Implementing a systematic water accounting and auditing system is essential for ensuring sustainable and equitable use.
- Sustainable Resource Management: Reliable data is a foundation for evidence-based decision-making.
- Legal Framework: A strong legal system, including the implementation of the National Water Policy 2018, is vital.
- Political Support: Even the best policies and laws cannot be effectively implemented without political motivation and commitment.
The National Water Policy 2018 provides a comprehensive framework with 33 objectives, including the installation of water meters and the application of the polluter pays principle. However, Dr. Ashraf noted that policy implementation requires clear legal responsibilities, designated institutions, and adequate enforcement capacity.
Responsibilities and Division of Power
According to Dr. Ashraf, the 18th Constitutional Amendment divides water management responsibilities. The federal government handles major hydropower projects, transboundary water issues, and water distribution among provinces as per the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord. Provinces are responsible for managing water resources within their jurisdictions, including groundwater, floodwater, and wastewater.
He also emphasized the potential of wastewater as a resource, suggesting it could be treated and reused for industrial and agricultural purposes.
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) is responsible for distributing water among the four provinces based on the 1991 accord, using a prescribed formula that considers variations in water availability.
Dr. Ashraf stressed the need for a comprehensive and universally applied system for assessing and accounting for Pakistan's water resources.