ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed concern over India’s militarization of water by suspending the Indus Water Treaty.
He expressed his views while chairing a meeting on water resources management in Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The meeting reviewed issues related to water availability, governance and regional developments affecting Pakistan’s water security.
The President noted that the attempt to use water as a political tool had serious consequences, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures were taken.
Addressing the issue of energy deficits linked to the regional situation, the President ordered that all possible efforts be made to minimize load shedding across the country.
He stressed that any load management should be carried out in a strictly transparent and declared manner, in accordance with prior public announcements, so that citizens are fully informed and disruptions are reduced.
The president also ordered authorities to accelerate water conservation efforts across the country.
He called for the rapid implementation of rainwater harvesting initiatives at the domestic, commercial and industrial levels, and ordered that the construction of small dams, recharge wells and water storage infrastructure be accelerated.
The President stressed that water conservation is a national imperative, especially in the current regional climate.
The meeting also discussed broader regional developments.
The President noted that stability in the region remains essential and expressed confidence that with constructive engagement and sustained efforts from Pakistan, a viable path forward in the evolving situation involving Iran could be found.
Governor of Sindh
President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the Sindh Governor to work with the government and other social, political and business organizations in the province to fully reflect the aspirations of the federal government in the province.
Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi visited the President here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the Presidency.
During the meeting, issues related to the overall political situation, particularly those regarding Sindh, were discussed.
The President stressed that measures should be taken to ensure effective governance and public welfare in the province.
