ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday emphasised the need for following an integrated approach for conservation, storage, management and efficient utilisation of available water resources in the country.
The prime minister expressed these views while chairing the first meeting of the National Water Council (NWC) at his office. Pointing out that no significant attention was paid to water-related issues in the past, he underscored the need for chalking out a comprehensive roadmap, in consultation with provinces and other stakeholders, for implementation of National Water Policy (NWP).
He highlighted the issue of water scarcity to meet the growing demands of increasing population of the country. He observed that the NWC would serve as an effective platform to discuss and develop consensus among the stakeholders on all issues pertaining to water resource management.
Water Resources Secretary Shamail Ahmad Khawaja briefed the meeting, in detail, about the contours of NWP and the strategic priorities set in the policy.
He also apprised the meeting of the existing water availability and the planned future investments, especially towards enhancement of the storage capacity.
The secretary also presented various proposals regarding the implementation of National Water Policy.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) chairman briefed the meeting about the progress on various projects of water storage and power generation.
The prime minister said that the proposals should be analysed by the steering committee under minister for water resources. The steering committee would submit its recommendations in two weeks.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said his government was committed to removing impediments in the way of doing business and making Pakistan an attractive place for investments, particularly by the foreign entrepreneurs. Addressing the inauguration of the $200 million Glass Manufacturing Complex to be built in Pakistan by Deli China & JW Sez Group, he said it was the first joint venture between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He stressed the importance of technology transfer and said in his forthcoming visit to China, a large business delegation would be accompanying him where they would discuss ways to further strengthen the CPEC and build robust business to business ties.
He also mentioned the government’s ambitious affordable housing project and said he would be discussing it with the Chinese authorities.
The premier appreciated the efforts of JW- SEZ Group for bringing Chinese investment to Pakistan. He expressed the belief that the investment would boost foreign investors’ confidence in Pakistan.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing termed the joint venture beginning of cooperartion between the two private sectors and said his country was eagerly looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said his country encouraged setting up of joint ventures so as to boost Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities, generating economic activities and jobs’ reation.
Published in Daily Times, October 26th 2018.
