Rainwater Harvesting Key to Pakistan’s Water Security
Shazia Mehboob
Islamabad: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on Wednesday urged federal and provincial governments to make rainwater harvesting systems mandatory across Pakistan, warning that sustainable water management measures are critical to addressing the country’s growing water scarcity challenges.
The call came during a media exposure visit to IWMI’s groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting project at Kachnar Park in Islamabad’s I-8 sector, where journalists were briefed on innovative nature-based solutions designed to combat urban flooding and replenish declining groundwater reserves.
Speaking to media representatives, Dr Mohsin Hafeez, Strategic Program Director – Water, Food & Ecosystems at IWMI, said the initiative captures and channels rainwater into underground aquifers, helping reduce surface runoff, mitigate flood risks, and restore depleted groundwater resources.
He said the project serves as a model for climate-resilient urban infrastructure and demonstrates how nature-based solutions can strengthen water security in rapidly urbanizing areas.
Dr. Hafeez stressed that widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting systems is essential for ensuring long-term water security, particularly as Pakistan faces increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and urban expansion.
Representatives from print, electronic, and digital media toured the project site to observe the interventions aimed at improving urban water management and enhancing climate resilience.
Dr. Hafeez also emphasized the need for greater public awareness of groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting initiatives, saying informed communities would be more likely to adopt sustainable water conservation practices.
