Wapda chief updates MPs on water challenges

MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN

ISLAMABAD: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt General Muhammad Saeed (Retd) briefed a parliamentary panel on the country’s water-related challenges, delays in hydropower projects, security issues and water disputes with India.

He delivered a detailed presentation on water scarcity and food security to a parliamentary committee chaired by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly, the Chairman Wapda, and senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources.

Although the meeting was initially open to the media, the Speaker declared it in-camera after Chairman Wapda requested that parliamentarians share sensitive information related to India carefully and avoid discussing it publicly.

According to sources, the Chairman apprised lawmakers of the current status of water availability in the country, existing storage capacity, and future requirements. Wapda intends to add 10 million acre-feet (MAF) of water to Pakistan’s reserves within the next four to five years.

The sources added that issues related to inter-provincial distribution of water and the installation of telemetry systems also came under discussion. The 969 MW Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project, which has remained dysfunctional for a long time, was also discussed.

The country’s total water storage capacity is expected to increase from 13 MAF to 23 MAF per annum. Chairman WAPDA urged all provinces to prepare their canal infrastructure in advance to utilize the additional water.

He explained that Pakistan’s water shortages are partially mitigated through the Indus Water Treaty, but flows in the rivers covered under the treaty remain limited. “In the eastern rivers, water sometimes comes only once in ten years during floods; otherwise, flows remain very low,” he said. Groundwater levels across Pakistan are also rapidly declining. He added that while the government cannot easily change people’s water-use habits, it can increase water resources through storage and management improvements.

The Speaker said that water scarcity is one of the most serious national challenges requiring urgent and effective measures from all stakeholders. He stated that due to the sensitivity of the issue, opposition members were specially invited so that a comprehensive national strategy could be developed through collective deliberation.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq further emphasized that safeguarding Pakistan’s future depends on protecting water resources and addressing food security challenges. He said national unity and collaborative efforts are essential for finding sustainable solutions. He added that resolving national issues requires inclusive dialogue and joint decision-making. The Speaker expressed disappointment over the absence of most opposition members from the meeting—except for JUI-F—saying it would have been better if all opposition lawmakers had attended to understand the country’s water issues.

He also expressed his intention to invite the Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to brief parliamentarians on various matters.