ISLAMABAD, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Arif Alvi said that the South Asian country needed to address serious water-related challenges in the wake of climate change to ensure food and livelihood security.
Deeming water scarcity a big challenge for the climate-hit Pakistan, the president, while addressing a conference on water on Tuesday, called for taking urgent steps such as nature-based solutions and developing civic sense about water conservation.
He said that water-related disasters, including shortages, are the primary sign of climate emergency, emphasizing the issue as a major preoccupation by governments, corporate organizations and citizens.
"There is a need to bring attitudinal changes among the public by educating them to consciously use water ... Using technology and managing water conservation cycles such as flood and drip irrigation can also overcome the problems of food and livelihood security," he said.
The president added that a World Bank study in Pakistan showed a link between malnutrition and poor quality of water, which inhibits the absorption of healthy minerals in the body.
Pakistan has taken several steps and forged policies regarding water conservation, he said, highlighting the need for developing more platforms with the involvement of the communities to encourage them to follow preparedness and resilience initiatives on water conservation. ■
