International Workshop on Salinity Policy Review – Adapting to Salinity in the Southern Indus Basin (ASSIB) Project held at PCRWR HQ, Islamabad.

PCRWR organized an International Workshop on “Salinity Policy Review” in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and partner organizations, including Charles Sturt University, USPCAS-W, Mehran UET Jamshoro, IUCN, University of Canberra, CSIRO, Murdoch University, CSIRO, MNUSAM, ICBA, Australian Aid and Soft.

The Chairman PCRWR, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, welcomed all participants. Mr. Saqib Ali Ateel, Secretary of Agriculture, South Punjab, appreciated the efforts of the Chairman PCRWR in organizing this international Workshop on salinity Policy Review. He apprised that salinity is a problem for which we have no option but to be prepared for it. He also highlighted the various initiatives of the South Punjab Agriculture department related to saline aquaculture initiatives of the government.

Dr. Michael Mitchell, Project Leader, Charles Sturt University, appreciated the role of PCRWR in organizing this international Workshop. He affirmed his technical support for sharing the scientific research and knowledge for adaptation to salinity in Pakistan. Prof. Dr Bakhshal Lashari, National Project Coordinator, USPCAS-W, Mehran UET, pointed out major policy issues and gaps in implementing policies in the agriculture sector. He emphasized that integrated efforts by the public and private sector organizations can play a vital role in effective policy management to overcome the Salinity problem in Pakistan.

The Chairman PCRWR appreciated the significant role of all the international and national partner organizations in the successful conduct of this Workshop. Over 50 participants attended the Workshop. The Workshop’s main objective was to get valued feedback and suggestions from significant stakeholders and partner organizations.