ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed concern over India’s weaponization of water by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
He expressed the views while chairing a meeting on water resource management in Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The meeting reviewed issues related to water availability, governance and regional development affecting Pakistan’s water security.
The President noted that the attempt to use water as a political tool was a matter of grave consequence, stressing the importance of protecting Pakistan’s water rights and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures are pursued.
Addressing the issue of power shortage in the context of the regional situation, the President directed that all possible efforts should be made to minimize load shedding across the country.
He stressed that any load management should be done strictly in a transparent and declared manner in accordance with previous public announcements so that citizens are fully informed and disruptions are reduced.
The President also directed the authorities to speed up efforts to conserve water throughout the country.
He called for speedy implementation of rainwater harvesting initiatives at the domestic, commercial and industrial levels and directed that the construction of small dams, recharge wells and water storage infrastructure be expedited.
The President emphasized that conserving water is a national imperative, especially in the current regional climate.
The meeting also discussed wider regional developments.
The President noted that stability in the region remains essential and expressed confidence that with constructive engagement and sustained efforts by Pakistan, a workable way forward in the evolving situation involving Iran can be achieved.
Sindh Governor
President Asif Ali Zardari directed the Governor Sindh to work with the government and other social, political and business organizations in the province to fully reflect the wishes of the federal government in the province.
Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi called on the President here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a press release from a Presidency said.
During the meeting, issues relating to the overall political situation, particularly those relating to Sindh, came up for discussion.
The President stressed that steps should be taken to ensure effective governance and public welfare in the province.
