ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the creation of a high-level task force to ensure the provision of clean drinking water to residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The task force will work on stopping sewage contamination in water reservoirs, enhancing water supply from various dams, and establishing a coordinated distribution system for both cities.
The task force will be led by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and will include members from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), WAPDA, Punjab’s Irrigation Department, and other concerned institutions.
Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister instructed the CDA to prepare a comprehensive plan for recharging underground water reserves through rainwater harvesting. He emphasized the urgent need to preserve water sources and improve groundwater levels.
The prime minister also called for immediate measures to stop sewage from illegal and informal settlements from entering Rawal Dam and the streams that flow into it. He directed that a water treatment system be established without delay to tackle this growing issue.
In addition, the prime minister ordered the swift development of a water supply system to deliver Islamabad’s agreed share of water from Tarbela, Khanpur, and other nearby dams directly to households. He also directed the concerned committee to finalise the formation of a dedicated Water Board for Islamabad and its surrounding areas.
During the meeting, the task force presented its proposals and briefed the prime minister on various steps being taken to improve the capital’s water infrastructure. It was reported that a system is being developed to ensure the approved supply of water from Rawal, Tarbela, and Khanpur dams reaches Islamabad efficiently.
Officials also shared updates on the development of new dam projects in surrounding areas and the related plans to supply water from these dams to Islamabad. The proposals aim to strengthen the city’s long-term water security through an expanded and efficient supply network.
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In a separate briefing, the meeting was informed about the proposed Islamabad Water Board. The board will be tasked with managing water distribution, overseeing reservoir operations, and ensuring coordination among all relevant departments and stakeholders involved in the water supply system.
The CDA also presented its action plan to reduce pollution caused by sewage from illegal settlements, which has been affecting the quality of water in nearby reservoirs. Steps are being taken to control contamination and safeguard Islamabad’s clean water sources.
Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.
