Pakistan, World Bank discuss water security and flood resilience strategy

Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo met with a World Bank delegation to advance cooperation on strengthening water security, tackling scarcity, and improving flood resilience in Pakistan.

The delegation, led by Meskerem Brhane, Regional Director for ‘Planet’ in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Region, included senior officials Bekele Debele Negewo, Francois Onimus, and Basharat Saeed. Senior officials of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) also attended the meeting.

Wattoo acknowledged the World Bank’s longstanding engagement in Pakistan’s water sector and emphasized the need for joint action in priority areas. He pointed to mounting challenges from recurring floods, water shortages, and low agricultural water productivity.

Offering condolences over recent flood-related losses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Brhane underscored the importance of integrated water resource management, land use planning, and federal-provincial coordination. She stressed that climate and flood resilience are central goals under the World Bank’s Pakistan Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026–2035.

The ministry informed the delegation that the National Flood Protection Plan IV is aligned with the CPF and therefore qualifies for World Bank support. The Additional Secretary, MoWR, highlighted a major target under the National Water Policy—reducing water conveyance losses by 33 percent by 2030.

Both sides agreed to hold follow-up discussions to identify practical solutions in infrastructure, governance, and management to improve water efficiency and service reliability. They also underscored the need for investment in water measurement systems and project monitoring nationwide.

Plans include building a publicly accessible, data-driven platform to track progress and strengthen Pakistan’s national water resource management.