National Water Policy, 2018 (Pakistan)

The objectives of the National Water Policy are to take cognizance of the emerging water crisis and provide an overall policy framework and guidelines for a comprehensive plan of action. The policy is a national framework within which the provinces, which are autonomous in the federal system of government in Pakistan, can develop their master plans for sustainable development and management of water resources. The water resource is a national responsibility but irrigation and agriculture, as well as rural and urban water supply, environment and other water related sub-sectors are provincial subjects. The National Water Policy lays down a broad policy framework and set of principles for water security on the basis of which the Provincial Governments can formulate their respective Master Plans and projects for water conservation, water development and water management. The Policy also discusses the relative priority of water uses, basin level planning for development of water resources, environmental integrity of basin, conservation of water, impact of climate change, transboundary water sharing, irrigated agriculture and rain-fed agriculture. It also considers drinking water and sanitation, urban water management, hydropower, industry, groundwater, water rights/obligations, as well as stakeholders' participation, sustainable water infrastructure, water-related hazards, quality management, information management, public awareness, research, economic and financial sustainability, demand management, legal framework, and capacity building.