AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: The United States of America (USA) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to support Pakistan in handling water-related problems. The US would extend full support to capacity building of Pakistani professionals, improvement of irrigation system, water conservation as well as helping the country to overcome water scarcity.
“Pakistan is our valued partner and we would help it come out of troubles,” said USA Under Secretary for Global Affair Maria Otero.
Speaking at fourth Pak-US Dialogue on Water here, she said that US Secretary of State’s Hillary Clinton had also made commitment to help Pakistan in coping with such challenges. She said that US government was also addressing issues including climate, health, water and food security at global level.
She said that the dialogue would be focused on support Pakistan’s response to the water issue. Maria Otero said that about 2/3rd world’s population would have to face water stress by 2025 so it was a very complex issue and pragmatic strategy has to devise to tackle it. She said that she would also visit other provinces to discuss water challenges with them.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Agriculture and Water Resources Kamal Majidullah said that Pakistan is very proactive toward water shed management. He said water management depends on availability of water and with growing population it would be very critical to make water available to everyone in future.
He said that Pakistan and US could work together and find a solution of water issues. He said fast mechanism and latest technologies are being used for conservation of water. Kamal said that Pakistan needs expertise and modern technology in cementing water channels as the current methodology being used in Pakistan is a very lengthy and expensive program.
During the regular session and workshop session, presentations were made by the federal government and the provinces on their water sector issues, water sector reforms, irrigation network, and current challenges.
The meeting also discussed and reviewed in detail progress and recommendation on establishment of National Water Commission and formation of National Water Policy. A detailed presentation was also made by the US side on their method of water distribution and procedure for water data collection.
The US delegation said that it is actively considering cooperation for construction of Diamer Basha dam and Kurram Tangi dam. It also offered cooperation in the water data collection procedure.
Secretary Water and Power Imtiaz Kazi while addressing in the dialogue session said that Pakistan wants US support in training, capacity building of officials in introduction and implementation of modern technologies for water conservation. He said that there was no concept of water management and conservation. It is the need of hour to sensitize public in this regard, he said.
It was announced that 5th session of water dialogue will be held in Washington in April 2012. ENDS
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com