Islamabad: Pakistan plans to be part of the United Nations’ Decade (2018-2028) of Action: Water for Sustainable Development programme to integrate water resource management, according to a news report. This programme includes seawater management for coastal areas such as Karachi, Gwadar, Pasni, Keti Bandar, and many others.
This was decided after a consultative session arranged by the Planning Commission, and attended by both local and international experts and federal and provincial government representatives. The meeting was part of the effort to implement the National Water Policy approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The council took note of the increasing water scarcity in Pakistan and the likelihood of it turning into a crisis. It also recognised that coastal cities like Karachi and Gwadar needed to utilise seawater treatment methods in a financially sustainable method to meet water needs. It also noted that solar desalination was an ideal method for Keti Bandar, Thatta, Pasni, Ormara, and Jiwani, and should be utilised to promote technology in the area.
