Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik,
chaired a high-level meeting to review the water quality situation of Rawal Lake and discuss
measures to address contamination concerns.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms.
Aisha Moriani, Secretary Ministry of Water Resources Mr. Syed Ali Murtaza, Director General
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Director General Rawalpindi Development Authority
(RDA), Managing Director WASA, along with senior officers from relevant federal and provincial
ministries and departments.
During the briefing, the Minister was informed about the three major water streams flowing into
Rawal Lake, Korang, Lake View, and Jinnah streams. Some of these streams have been
contaminated due to the discharge of untreated sewerage from nearby residential areas and
planning for the installation of three sewerage treatment plants (STPs) at Simli Road, Bari
Imam, and Shadrah is underway to address and eliminate this contamination.
Dr. Musadik Malik emphasized that access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental
right of every citizen. He stated that while the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental
Coordination does not have direct jurisdiction over water supply and sewerage management, it
will extend full facilitation and coordination support to the relevant departments to ensure timely
and effective action.
The Federal Minister directed EPA and WASA to conduct comprehensive water quality testing
at multiple points along the water inflows to and outflows out of Rawal Lake to accurately
identify sources, points, and the extent of contamination. He stressed the importance of
evidence-based interventions, stating that precise data is essential for designing effective
remedial measures.
Raising a critical concern, Dr. Musadik Malik remarked, “We must ask ourselves whether this is
water we are comfortable feeding to our children”.
The Minister further called for strengthened coordination among federal and provincial
departments to fast-track the installation of sewerage treatment plants and ensure the provision
of clean drinking water to the public at the earliest.
