The government on Saturday decided to implement an emergency-action plan to address the worsening water shortage in Islamabad, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review both short- and long-term measures for enhancing water supply to the twin cities.
The meeting, attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Adviser to the Prime Minister Syed Tauqeer Shah, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, CDA, WAPDA, and the Rawalpindi administration, examined multiple proposals to expand water storage and strengthen the distribution system.
Minister Naqvi announced that the Capital Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with the Punjab government, will jointly construct new dams to meet the long-term water needs of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Authorities also shared progress updates on planned small dams and water reservoirs, including the Chirah, Dotara, and Shahdara dam projects.
WAPDA and CDA officials presented feasibility reports, timelines, and various options aimed at increasing water supply to urban and rural areas of the capital. The Dotara Dam-designed to store 110 MGD-was approved for completion within two years.
The minister expressed concern over gaps in the existing water-supply system and emphasized the need to overhaul the water distribution network. He instructed relevant departments to promptly identify system flaws and implement effective mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted water delivery.
Calling water supply to Islamabad residents his “top priority,” Naqvi directed authorities to take swift and effective actions under a short-term plan, utilizing all available resources to meet immediate water needs. He also ordered a strict crackdown on water theft and misuse of connections.
To accelerate progress, the interior minister demanded a comprehensive 10-day roadmap outlining actionable steps for on-ground execution of all water projects.
Senior officials, including the Secretary Interior, Additional Secretary Interior, Chairman of CDA, Commissioner of Rawalpindi, and members of the CDA Board, were present in the meeting.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday paid rich tribute to the police personnel who lost their lives in the January 10, 2008, GPO suicide attack, calling them “the heroic sons of Punjab Police who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.”
In his message on the 18th anniversary of the tragedy, Naqvi said that the officers and jawans of Lahore Police sacrificed their precious lives to protect the nation and attained the highest honor of martyrdom.
He said the martyrs stand as eternal symbols of courage and commitment, adding that their sacrifices have written a lasting chapter in the country’s history. “These guardians achieved immortality through their martyrdom,” he remarked.
Naqvi emphasized that the nation remains indebted to the families of the fallen heroes whose loved ones gave their lives to uphold peace. “Our martyrs live in our hearts and will continue to live forever. They are the crown on our heads, and nations that honor their martyrs always prevail,” he said.
The interior minister reiterated the government’s resolve to continue honoring the sacrifices of police martyrs and supporting their families.