Aab-e-Nemat – A life-saving clean water initiative in Skardu

SKARDU: The Dawood Global Foundation (DGF), through its LADIESFUND platform, has officially launched project Aab-e-Nemat, a transformative national initiative aimed at providing sustainable, long-term access to clean drinking water across Pakistan – starting with the remote and underserved mountain communities of Skardu, says a Press release.
Guided by the vision of Tara Uzra Dawood, President of Dawood Global Foundation, this initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: “Water is life.” Access to safe, clean water is not a privilege – it is a fundamental human right.
In the project’s inaugural phase, 11 water boreholes have been installed in the most water-deprived areas of Skardu, including Hargisa Toq, Katpana, Eidgah, Brolmo, Astana, Sundus, Thang Katpana, Ghazi Nuhalla, Sarkhor Ragayool, Ranga, and Qomrah. These sites were selected based on a rigorous needs assessment, prioritizing regions with high population density, limited access to potable water, and the presence of schools.
Six of these water boreholes were in collaboration with Dubai-based Impact Adventures and Father & Kids Camping, in which families of multiple origins came to Skardu to physically build the wells to give back to local communities as well as to bond as families.
Each location now hosts a solar-powered water station featuring five community taps, drawing from deep aquifers to deliver clean water for over 25 years.
The infrastructure is designed to ease daily burdens, particularly for women and children, who previously walked miles to fetch unsafe water. Over 5,300 residents and three schools are already experiencing the life-changing impact of these installations.
Tara Uzra Dawood said, “Project Aab-e-Nemat, which means “blessed water,” is not just about water – it’s about dignity, sustainability, and hope. This is innovation at its finest – powered by the sun, built by communities, and dedicated to transforming lives through access to clean water.”
Princess of Skardu Nazia Raja Jaffer stated, “We are honored to witness international and national forces uniting for the betterment of Skardu. Aab-e-Nemat will uplift generations, and we proudly stand behind this vital cause.”
Grant Lupson, Trip Leader, Impact Adventures, stated Dawood Global Foundation was the perfect partner in Skardu – delivering solar boreholes across six communities on time and on budget. It was an honor to support such a welcoming and resilient region.”
Smira Ahmed, Leader, said, “This is how real change takes root – with hands in the soil, hearts in the mission, and communities at the forefront of their own solutions.”
A Model of People-Powered Development and Sustainable Tourism, project Aab-e-Nemat is a result of collaboration with Impact Adventures and Fathers & Kids Camping, who mobilized over 40 international volunteers to travel to Pakistan and participate in the on-ground construction efforts. Their involvement symbolizes more than aid – it represents global unity and a new model of inclusive, people-powered development.
Beyond addressing the water crisis, the project is reinvigorating responsible tourism – offering participants meaningful cultural exchange and economic empowerment for locals, while showcasing the natural beauty of Pakistan.
Buoyed by the success in Skardu, DGF now aims to scale Project Aab-e-Nemat to 100 solar-powered boreholes across Pakistan, focusing on water-insecure communities in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
Water is a basic need. Water is life. Support Project Aab-e-Nemat and help us bring life to every corner of Pakistan.