The federal government has decided to implement a comprehensive plan on an emergency basis to address the growing water shortage in Islamabad, with a focus on short- and long-term measures to increase supply in the twin cities.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, which reviewed the water situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Prime Minister’s Adviser Syed Tauqeer Shah also attended the meeting.
Officials said the Capital Development Authority (CDA), in coordination with the Punjab government, will jointly construct new dams for the twin cities to improve water availability.
The meeting reviewed progress on the construction of small dams and water reservoirs aimed at enhancing storage capacity.
Participants also discussed proposals to address deficiencies in Islamabad’s existing water supply system. Emphasis was placed on identifying weaknesses in the water distribution network and establishing a more efficient mechanism to ensure effective transmission and equitable supply.
The meeting was briefed on various options presented by Wapda and the CDA, including feasibility reports and proposed timelines for increasing water supply. Detailed briefings were also given on the Chara, Dothara and Shahdara dam projects.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive implementation roadmap within 10 days. Senior officials, including the interior secretary, additional interior secretary, CDA chairman, Rawalpindi commissioner, CDA members and other officials, were present at the meeting.
