By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: The Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) marked World Water Day by organizing a seminar, where Secretary General Engineer Amir Zamir Khan emphasized the urgent need to depoliticize key water projects and include technical experts in decision-making processes.
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Addressing the gathering, Engineer Amir Zamir Khan criticized the ongoing political interference in water-related infrastructure.
“The canals being developed are being turned into a subject of political rivalry by different political parties.
The Kachhi Canal is a prime example of this, where such political disputes have led people to take up arms,” he stated.
He further expressed regret over the Kalabagh Dam project, describing it as a casualty of political agendas.
“The Kalabagh Dam, a project crucial for Pakistan’s water security, has been rendered ineffective due to political bickering,” he added.
Amir Zamir stressed that water infrastructure and national projects should be handled by technical experts, not politicians.
“Bodies like IRSA (Indus River System Authority), Power Development Boards, and other federal-level boards must be allowed to make decisions without political interference.
Until technical professionals are involved in the decision-making process, political controversies will continue to hinder progress,” he remarked.
Engineer Usman Farooq, another prominent speaker at the seminar, echoed these concerns and warned that Pakistan is now among the most drought-affected countries in the world.
“The situation is alarming. Engineers have long been raising their voices, but water continues to be wasted, and no major dams have been constructed to store it,” said Usman Farooq.
The Institution of Engineers Pakistan called upon the government to establish a high-level technical committee to address these issues.
“We demand the formation of a technical committee comprising professional engineers and experts.
This committee should prepare recommendations and submit them to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for final decision-making,” said Amir Zamir.
The seminar concluded with a strong appeal to prioritize technical expertise over political agendas to resolve Pakistan’s worsening water crisis and secure the nation’s future.
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