Seminar highlights water politics and Dam controversies in Pakistan

Mansehra: Assistant Professor Dr. Abdul Waheed drew the students’ attention to a highly serious and significant issue. The seminar, titled “Politics of Water: A Study of Dam Controversies in Pakistan,” focused in detail on why water has become a subject of politics in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the political positions and roles of various political parties regarding the Kalabagh Dam. Through this seminar, students were informed about the importance of water, the utility of dams, and the severity of the water crisis that Pakistan is likely to face in the coming years.
The seminar was of great importance and witnessed active participation from students, faculty members, and students from other departments as well. The primary objective of the session was to familiarize students with future challenges, among which water scarcity stands out as the most fundamental and critical issue. Today, water has emerged as a major problem at the international level. Many major cities across the world are experiencing an acute water crisis. For instance, Iran, several African states, Pakistan, South Asian countries, and even Central Asia are facing this alarming situation.
The organization of such sessions and seminars is extremely necessary. Through this seminar, Dr. Abdul Waheed comprehensively highlighted that the Government of Pakistan must formulate an effective and comprehensive strategic plan and take urgent measures to address the water issue. The construction of new dams is the need of the hour, and the construction of the Kalabagh Dam is also of critical importance. Instead of political point-scoring, attention should be focused on resolving the issue. Along with the construction of new dams, it is essential to take these challenges seriously, in which the media can also play a key role.
Students showed keen interest during the session, and several important questions were raised in the question-and-answer segment. It was also emphasized on this occasion that the Department of Pakistan Studies will continue to highlight important and sensitive national issues through such sessions in the future. At the same time, the Government of Pakistan should also take these matters seriously and consider the recommendations and suggestions put forward by experts regarding water and water-related disputes.
In his seminar, Dr. Abdul Waheed presented a number of comprehensive recommendations and proposals, which, if implemented effectively, could yield many positive and beneficial outcomes for Pakistan.