ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed concern over India’s use of water as a weapon by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
He expressed his views while presiding over a meeting on water resources management at 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 was a matter of grave consequences, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures are implemented.
Addressing the issue of energy deficit linked to the regional situation, the President directed that all possible efforts be made to minimize load shedding across the country.
He stressed that any cargo management must be carried out in a strictly transparent and declared manner, in line with previous public announcements, so that citizens are fully informed and inconvenience is 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 emphasized that conserving water is a national imperative, particularly in the current regional climate.
Broader regional developments were also discussed at the meeting.
The President noted that stability in the region remains essential and expressed confidence that with constructive engagement and sustained efforts by Pakistan, a viable path forward in the evolving situation involving Iran could be achieved.
Governor of Sindh
President Asif Ali Zardari directed the Governor of Sindh to work with the government and other social, political and business organizations of 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 relating to the overall political situation, particularly those relating to Sindh, were discussed.
The president emphasized that measures must be taken to ensure effective governance and public welfare in the province.
