Islamabad, June 9, 2023: The Pakistan government has demonstrated its commitment to prioritize the water sector by earmarking an estimated amount of around Rs100 billion in the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.
This strategic allocation reflects the government’s recognition of the critical importance of water resources and its dedication to addressing water-related challenges in the country.
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According to official documents released on Friday, the water sector has been allocated a significant amount of Rs. 99.847 billion. This allocation has been strategically divided to address key priorities and cater to the diverse needs of various entities within the water sector.
A substantial allocation of Rs. 58.238 billion has been designated for the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). This funding aims to enhance WAPDA’s capacity and support its initiatives in water resource management, infrastructure development, and power generation. The allocation to WAPDA underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring efficient water management and harnessing the potential of water resources for power generation.
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The budget for the water sector also includes an allocation of Rs. 30.3 billion for the provinces, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Sindh, and Balochistan. This allocation recognizes the importance of regional participation and empowers provinces to implement localized projects, address specific water challenges, and prioritize regional development initiatives.
Furthermore, Rs. 11.3 billion has been dedicated to the Flood Protection Sector Programme (FPSP-III) and other federal projects. These funds will contribute to the implementation of crucial federal initiatives aimed at strengthening the water sector, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and enhancing water-related services across the nation.
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The strategic distribution of funds among key entities and projects within the water sector aims to optimize resource utilization, foster collaboration between federal and provincial stakeholders, and advance the nation’s water management objectives. These investments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing water-related challenges, promoting sustainable development, and improving the livelihoods of citizens through efficient water resource management.
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The allocation of approximately Rs100 billion for the water sector in the budget 2023-24 underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of water resources in Pakistan. By prioritizing this critical domain, the government aims to address water-related challenges, promote sustainable development, and ensure efficient water resource management for the betterment of the nation and its citizens.
