Sukkur (August 8) – WWF Pakistan organized a consultative meeting titled “Preparation of Report Card for Indus River Health Assessment” at a local hotel in Sukkur. The meeting was attended by WWF Pakistan’s Director Fresh Water Program Sohail Ali Naqvi, Senior Manager Wildlife Humaira Aisha, Coordinator Indus River Dolphin Imran Malik, and stakeholders from various sectors. Alexandra, a water expert from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, USA, participated online and shed light on the health of the Indus River, seeking suggestions from participants.
On this occasion, Director Fresh Water Sohail Ali Naqvi addressed the gathering, stating that the purpose of holding the consultative meeting is to assess the threats and issues facing the Indus River, find solutions, and prepare a report card. In this regard, WWF Pakistan is working in collaboration with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, USA, to assess the health of the Indus River’s water by engaging with all stakeholders.
He emphasized that the Indus River’s pollution, caused by urban and industrial wastewater, endangers the rare Indus dolphin and leads to various diseases in humans, animals, and birds. To address this, we have convened this consultative meeting, inviting stakeholders to share their recommendations, facilitating the preparation of a comprehensive report card. This collaborative approach ensures sustainable and effective development, as local stakeholders are integral to the process.
He stressed that a healthy river is vital for everyone, and collective efforts are necessary to secure a sustainable future for the Indus River. The report card preparation may take around 6-12 months.
Humaira Aisha, Senior Manager WWF Wildlife, added, “WWF Pakistan is collaborating with partners to address the Indus River’s health. We aim to engage stakeholders, gather feedback, and develop policies that improve water quality and promote sustainability.
During the workshop, suggestions were sought from all participants to address the importance of the Indus River and the threats and issues facing it. These suggestions will be sent to Alexandra, a water expert from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, USA, to obtain her final opinion and take steps towards preparing a report card on the health of the Indus River.
The meeting was attended by Zahid Hussain Executive Engineer Sukkur Barrage,
Abdul Fatah Memon Executive Engineer Civil Irrigation , Farooq Ahmed Environmental Expert ,Arbab Ali Solangi Director Fisheries , Aoun Muhammad Manager Engro Fertilizer, Dr. Sadoro PDM Engro Foundation ,Iftikhar Ahmed Arain Conservator of Forests, Prof. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Prof. Tariq Lashari ,Prof. Sajid Ali Mirani, Dr Ali Raza Lashari and other officials from various departments and representatives of non-governmental organizations.