National Water Research Network Launched

In a meeting of leading water experts held at the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, it was agreed to form a National Water Research Network (NWRN).  While discussing the pressing water research issues in Pakistan, experts expressed concerns that water-related research is scattered across institutions, and national policy formulation process is severely constrained by evidence-based policy research. The NWRN will serve as an important platform for developing shared understanding of water sector agenda, supporting the achievement of water SDG, and sharing of knowledge and best practices for capacity building of water sector professionals. A steering committee was also formed to steer the work of NWRN.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor MUET Dr. Mohammad Aslam Uqaili said that this network would be very helpful in bringing together the required knowledge and capacities to address the water sector challenges Pakistan is facing. The collaboration across institutions to be realized through this network will lead to prioritizing water research agenda, in addition to identifying critical research gaps. He asked network members to generate reliable data and information to facilitate bridging science-policy gap in the water sector.

Dr Aslam Chaudhry from University of Utah, USA, mentioned that this network can make meaningful contributions in prioritizing the water sector research agenda. He noted that an ideal thing for the network will be to develop its research map around the six targets of water SDG. He suggested several ways how network members can benefit from USPCAS-W activities, for example, through joint research programs, adaption of advanced water curriculum, training and capacity building activities offered by the University of Utah, and partnerships with flagship projects, among others.

The water research in Pakistan is done in isolation, catering the needs of individual or institutions instead of meeting the needs of the society, mentioned by Dr. M. Ashraf, Chairman Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). He said there is a lack of collaboration among academia, policy makers, industry and development agencies which affects prioritizing research agenda and transfer of technology. Research-policy interface can be improved by reducing the existing gap among relevant stakeholders, while research must be prioritized based on needs of the society, he added.

Dr. Rasool Bux Mahar, a Professor at USPCAS-W/MUET emphasized the need for cutting edge research for developing new technologies as well as improving existing technologies in water sector. In this regard, recently established Standing Committee on Business-Academia Collaboration on Water can play an instrumental role if supported by the research to be undertaken by the NWRN, he noted.

Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, a Professor at USPCAS-W/MUET suggested a number of areas pertinent to water use efficiency and scarcity which need to be researched if Pakistan is to meet water SDG target related to improving water use efficiency. The network research can help in developing the baseline situation and strategy to achieve milestones set under this particular target.

In terms of next steps, Dr. Bakhshal Khan Lashari said that this network will provide platform for undertaking joint research, establishing central water database, developing inventory of research work and providing policy advice to the Government. Announcing that USPCAS-W will serve as the secretariat to facilitate network operations, he stressed the importance of  inviting other stakeholders to join the network.

People and institutions attended the meeting included: Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor MUET, Dr. Qazi Tallat, Deputy Energy Advisor, Ministry of Water and Power,  Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashiq Kharal, Director CEWRE, UET Lahore, Prof. Dr. Hamza Farooq Gabriel, Director Regional Center NUST Islamabad, Dr. Muhammad Arshad, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Dr. Tahir Sarwar, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Dr. Shafqat Eijaz, Director NED University Karachi, Mr. Imdad Hussain Khoso from Lasbella University Uthal, Mr. Iqtidar Hussain from Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Mr. Haris Akram Bhatti, Dr. Kamran Ansari, Deputy Director USPCAS-W, among others.