Pakistan taps Korean expertise to modernize water research

July 17, 2025 (MLN): In a key move to tackle Pakistan’s water crisis, the government is partnering with South Korea to upgrade Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) research infrastructure and boost its water management capabilities.

Project with South Korea is designed to support Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on access to safe and affordable drinking water.

The initiative was announced during the visit of Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, to the PCRWR headquarters, said a press release issued yesterday.

It will enable modern water planning, monitoring, and conservation technologies to meet long-term national needs.

Founded in 1964 and revamped under the Ministry of Water Resources in 2022, PCRWR leads Pakistan’s water research efforts.

It plays a central role in monitoring water quality, improving irrigation, recharging groundwater, and promoting conservation.

During his visit, the Minister was briefed on PCRWR’s ongoing and upcoming programs.

He inspected laboratories and technical units and expressed satisfaction with their performance.

However, he directed the management to improve operational efficiency and ensure greater impact and outreach in serving the public.

He emphasized the council’s alignment with the National Water Policy 2018 and called for accelerated progress in groundwater mapping, irrigation technologies, and policy translation of research outputs.

Among the new initiatives, PCRWR plans to expand the National Water Quality Monitoring Program to 72 districts.

Furthermore, it was decided to publish an annual State of Water Quality in Pakistan report and develop a National Water Budget and Water Scarcity Index.

PCRWR will conduct cost-benefit studies on irrigation pricing models. It will promote water-saving technologies in agriculture.

The council also plans to expand groundwater recharge efforts, including leaky dams and rainwater harvesting wells.

Concluding the visit, the Federal Minister reiterated the government’s support for evidence-based water management.

He urged PCRWR to operate with enhanced discipline, efficiency, and national commitment to meet Pakistan’s critical water resource challenges.

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