AI could revolutionize Pakistan's river monitoring

July 20, 2026 (MLN): Artificial intelligence can significantly improve Pakistan's ability to monitor water resources, forecast river flows and manage transboundary water challenges, according to AI expert Asim Javid, Chief Executive Officer of AI GEO Navigators.

Speaking to APP, Javid said Pakistan should continue drawing international attention to India's actions concerning water flows under the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the issue as a matter of serious concern.

He said the country should capitalise on the Permanent Court of Arbitration's decision in its favour by strengthening diplomatic outreach, expanding global awareness of its legal and technical position, and highlighting what he described as India's violations of the treaty.

Javid noted that AI-powered technologies could enhance Pakistan's water security by enabling real-time monitoring of river systems, improving forecasts of water availability and supporting more informed decision-making for water management.

He proposed the development of an AI-based Flow Manipulation Advisory System to continuously assess water availability and monitor critical river points, particularly in light of upstream interventions that may affect inflows into Pakistan.

According to him, advanced AI platforms can process hydrological data in real time, predict fluctuations in river flows and help authorities optimise water distribution, storage and reservoir operations.

Javid also stressed the need to make better use of floodwaters by adopting decentralised water management solutions in the plains along the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.

He suggested expanding groundwater recharge, constructing retention ponds and establishing small-scale water storage facilities, noting that the geography of these regions makes large reservoirs impractical.

He added that integrating Artificial Intelligence with GeoAI, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydrological modelling would strengthen Pakistan's capability to detect unusual upstream changes, forecast water shortages or sudden releases, and improve water allocation through real-time decision-support systems.

He said adopting these technologies would help Pakistan build a more resilient, data-driven water management system capable of responding effectively to evolving regional water challenges.

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