The project on Capacity Building of Stakeholders on the Science Policy Practice Interface (SPPI) for achieving water security in Pakistan concluded with a final workshop at PCRWR Islamabad on 3rd December 2025. The workshop, organised by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources in partnership with UNESCO, brought together academia, researchers, students and NGOs to address climate-driven water challenges and to identify integrated, evidence-based solutions for national water security.
Dr Hifza Rasheed, Director General of PCRWR, welcomed attendees and underlined the urgency of engaging diverse stakeholders to tackle Pakistan’s water security issues. She stressed that stronger SPPI links help build a common understanding between researchers, policymakers and on-ground practitioners and urged participants to support collaborative, science-driven approaches to sustainable water management.
Mr Fuad Pashayav, Director of UNESCO Pakistan, commended PCRWR’s efforts to promote research-informed policy and national capacity building. He highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to bridging science and practice in climate vulnerable countries and confirmed continued support for initiatives that strengthen the science-policy-practice interface and advance practical solutions for water security.
Mr Ahmad Kamal, former Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission and Chief Engineering Adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, delivered the keynote address emphasising the critical need to integrate scientific evidence into policy and operational practice. He called for effective collaboration across institutions to respond to the complex challenges of water resources management.
During the technical session, Engr Muhammad Kashif Manzoor, Deputy Director PCRWR, presented a detailed roadmap for strengthening collaboration among scientists, policymakers and field practitioners. He explained how the SPPI framework can improve communication, build capacity and enable integrated approaches that directly support Pakistan’s water security goals. Participants noted the practical relevance of the session and expressed intent to align research with solution-oriented policy actions.
Engr Asghar Ali Halepoto, Chief Water at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, thanked participants for their engagement and outlined key government initiatives to improve water governance, expand data-driven decision making and promote integrated resource management. He acknowledged the role of joint efforts between PCRWR and partner organisations in advancing the national agenda on water security.
In closing, Engr Muhammad Kashif Manzoor thanked all participants for their contributions and reaffirmed PCRWR’s commitment to strengthening the science-policy-practice nexus. He expressed confidence that the partnerships and ideas generated at the workshop will translate into collective action and sustained progress toward ensuring water security across Pakistan.
