Balochistan Minister Discusses Water Resources Management Policy with EU Delegation

Quetta, Pakistan:In a recent meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation led by Mr. Jelle Beekmu, Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Irrigation, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability and security of water resources in the province. He outlined that the *Integrated Water Resources Management* (IWRM) principles would guide the *Balochistan Water Bill*, aiming to safeguard the province’s water resources for long-term development and prosperity.

During the discussion, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani highlighted that the core objective of the *Balochistan Water Bill* is to establish a robust framework for water management, ensuring a balanced distribution of water across various sectors. He mentioned the importance of creating strong institutions, effective legislation, a sound financial system, and boosting local capacities to effectively manage the water resources.

“The *Integrated Water Resources Management* policy, along with the formal approval of the *Balochistan Water Bill*, will have significant positive impacts on the province. It will enable Balochistan to progress and ensure sustainable development in the years to come,” he remarked.

The meeting was attended by other members of the EU delegation, including Muhammad Akhtar Bhatti, Muhammad Akmal Jamali, Engineer Muhammad Riaz, Aziz Khan, and several senior officials from the Department of Irrigation, including Nasir Majid, Simah Ullah, Aziz Zahri, and Qazi Kamran Shah.

In the course of the meeting, the delegation presented a draft of proposed amendments to the *Water Resources Management Bill*, which aims to enhance the efficiency of water usage in the province. Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani thanked the delegation for their contributions and assured that the suggestions would be carefully reviewed and presented to the relevant forums for inclusion in the bill.

This dialogue highlights Balochistan’s growing focus on efficient water management, a critical issue for the province that faces significant challenges in terms of water scarcity and resource distribution. The provincial government’s efforts to implement a comprehensive water policy are seen as essential to ensuring future sustainability and improving the lives of the people in the region.