PESHAWAR: Nov 19, 2025:
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that climate change and the protection of water resources have become national-level challenges, stressing that the construction of new dams and the development of a modern and efficient irrigation system across the province are now essential. He regretted that serious efforts were not taken in the past, adding that water is the foundation of life and saving every drop is a shared responsibility. By securing water reservoirs, he said, thousands of acres of barren land in the southern districts could be brought under cultivation. He expressed these views on Wednesday while addressing the opening session of a two-day workshop titled “Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources in Pakistan” held at the University of Peshawar, where he was invited as the chief guest. The workshop was jointly organized by the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) Peshawar and the Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering.
The conference was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Naeem Qazi, NCEG Director Prof. Dr. Liaqat Ali, Director NAVTTC Muhammad Yasir, GIS Specialist Shazia Gulzar, Director General Water and Resource Regulatory Authority Engr. Roh-ul-Mohsin, experts on climate change and water conservation, and several other participants. Prof. Dr. Liaqat Ali welcomed the attendees and highlighted the center’s contributions in various scientific fields.
In his address, the Governor said that the water crisis is not merely an environmental issue but one that directly impacts national security, the economy, energy planning, and inter-provincial harmony. If not tackled wisely, he warned, Pakistan could face severe economic and administrative challenges in the future. He said that unpredictable weather patterns have deeply affected farmers, water shortages in urban areas are escalating, and natural ecosystems are deteriorating rapidly. The Governor further said that glaciers in the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges are melting at an alarming rate, increasing the risk of short-term flooding and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), while posing long-term threats of drought and food insecurity. Calling the workshop timely and commendable, Governor Kundi assured participants that he would convey their recommendations and proposals to the federal government. He expressed hope and determination that through collective efforts, Pakistan can become water-secure and environmentally resilient.