Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, has highlighted the urgent need for science-based approaches to address Pakistan’s growing water crisis during his visit to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) headquarters in Islamabad today. He was comprehensively briefed on the department’s ongoing projects, future objectives, and contributions to national water resource development.
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PCRWR, established in 1964 and restructured under the Ministry of Water Resources in 2022, serves as the country’s key research body responsible for managing water resources, addressing drinking water quality, improving irrigation technologies, and developing strategies for groundwater recharge and conservation.
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During the visit, the Federal Minister inspected various laboratories and technical units, where he examined the procedures and operations of the organization. He expressed satisfaction with the level of scientific activity and dedication demonstrated by the PCRWR staff. However, he directed the management to increase efficiency and ensure the institution delivers impactful results for the benefit of the people of Pakistan. He emphasized that water-related issues are of national importance and that PCRWR must expand its outreach and technical role accordingly.
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Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo said that PCRWR must play a more integrated role in supporting national water policies, particularly under the National Water Policy 2018 and Sustainable Development Goal 6, which targets access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. He stated that the council’s work on water quality monitoring, groundwater mapping, and irrigation efficiency must be accelerated and translated into actionable policy support.
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During the briefing, the Federal Minister was informed about several forward-looking initiatives, including an upcoming collaboration with South Korea. Under this partnership, a project titled “Improving PCRWR Research Infrastructure and Enhancing Integrated Water Resources Management Capacity” is being launched. The aim is to digitize research facilities and strengthen technical capacity in managing Pakistan’s long-term water needs in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6. The project will also support improved planning, monitoring, and conservation of water resources through modern technologies.
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The briefing also highlighted PCRWR’s upcoming initiatives, including the expansion of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program to 72 districts, the publication of the annual "State of Water Quality in Pakistan" report, and the development of a National Water Budget and Water Scarcity Index. In addition, PCRWR plans to conduct cost-benefit studies on irrigation pricing models, support water-saving technologies in agriculture, and extend groundwater recharge interventions such as leaky dams and rainwater harvesting wells in water-stressed regions.
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In closing, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo reiterated the need for evidence-based water management in Pakistan and affirmed the government’s support for strengthening research-based institutions like PCRWR. He called on the organization to serve the people of Pakistan with greater focus, discipline, and national spirit, especially in tackling the country’s growing water challenges.
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