A delegation from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an international organization addressing the challenges of water scarcity, floods, droughts and climate change in developing countries, called on Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan, Vice Chancellor, Hazara University Mansehra.  The delegation was led by IWMI Country Director, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, who discussed the ongoing Water Resource Accountability Pakistan (WRAP) project at the university and reviewed its progress.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikramullah Khan said that Pakistan is facing severe challenges from floods, natural disasters, and climate change. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with international organizations to tackle these issues.  He further highlighted that faculty members and researchers at Hazara University possess vast expertise in their respective scientific fields and that joint research partnerships can significantly contribute to addressing climate-related challenges in Pakistan.

He assured that the university would utilize all available resources to support IWMI’s research activities. Dr. Asif Javed, Head, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences informed the delegation that IWMI’s project at Hazara University aims to promote scientific measures to address water crises in Pakistan and across the region. Under this collaboration, a solar-powered drip irrigation system, water sensors, geotagging and groundwater quality assessments have been initiated.

In addition, paid internships for MPhil scholars and training for 12 faculty members have been provided. He further added that in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a state-of-the-art Knowledge and Research Centre have been established in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at a cost of Rs. 4.800 million. One graduate has been offered a paid internship while other students are engaged in research on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)