Time for Pakistan to Treat Water Security as National Challenge: Experts

LAHORE ( WNAM REPORT ): The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised an event titled, “Water Governance as a Climate Security Challenge in Pakistan,” . As an independent think tank, CASS Lahore organises academic events for scholars and practitioners interested in national security in its wider context. The event was attended by academics, intellectuals, and domain experts. Amjad Fraz, a Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, delivered the opening address.
Dr Fiaz Hussain Shah, Director IEDC, NUST presented water security as an integral part of national security due to its impact on human security. He underscored the need for building resilience to overcome water insecurity and presented climate change as a threat multiplier. Hydropolitics, in connection with the Indus Waters Treaty and India’s water intransigence by holding the Treaty in abeyance, was discussed. Dr Shah also deliberated on Kabul River’s manipulation by the Afghans under the Indian influence. Bringing together Pakistan’s groundwater, water losses, and internal distribution challenges, Dr Shah contended that Pakistan needs to move beyond reactive management and embrace water security as a whole-of-government challenge.
Mr Naseer Memon, Senior Advisor for Water Governance, SDPI, stressed that Pakistan has entered into water bankruptcy and attributed its root cause to an exponential rise in population. He discussed water loss in connection with canal seepage, and arable land loss because of waterlogging and salinity, impacting crop production. Mr Memon highlighted the significance of Indus Delta and its mangroves, which act as a natural shield against natural disasters. He also focused on water pollution and the importance of groundwater regulation. The need for population control, cropping practices, managed aquifer recharge, autonomous regulatory bodies, and transparency in water distribution were discussed as the way forward.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS, Lahore, stated that water stress in Pakistan is now a lived reality. He highlighted Pakistan’s increased reliance on groundwater, national adaptation, and the need to address the provinces’ water requirements. Multiple water-related policies and strategies were enumerated, stressing the need to bridge policy intention and implementation. India’s unilateral IWT suspension, a treaty followed for many years without hindrance, has created political uncertainties. President CASS accentuated the need for capacity building and strategic statecraft to build resilience in a climate-stressed future.
The event concluded with a lively interactive session. It highlighted food security, water doctrine, climate diplomacy, and local governance. The participants appreciated CASS Lahore’s initiative in hosting an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.