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A book focusing on the management of water resources in river basins shared between Afghanistan and Pakistan was unveiled in Islamabad on Tuesday. The book, titled “Afghanistan-Pakistan Shared Waters: State of the Basins,” was presented at an event attended by foreign diplomats, government officials, and representatives from the development sector.
Funding for the publication came from the USAID-Pakistan Mission as part of their Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) program, which is being implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The program’s goal is to improve water management practices to increase productivity.
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It is noteworthy that this book is the first to be published since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The book is the result of a lengthy and sometimes challenging collaborative effort, marking the first attempt of its kind in the shared river basins of Kabul, Kurram, and Gomal. Despite the obstacles faced, the process brought together a diverse group of experts from both Afghanistan and Pakistan in a collaborative initiative.
I am honored to be a part of the book launch and am pleased that USAID played a role in bringing this book to fruition. This publication also highlights the importance of integration and partnership in our shared efforts to enhance climate resilience in Pakistan and the region. As mentioned earlier, this is a joint research project involving scholars from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and international scholars, pointing us toward increased cross-border cooperation on climate-related issues between the two countries. It’s important to note that we are in the early stages of this initiative.
In international relations and diplomacy, especially in sensitive relationships, joint research and collaborative efforts on shared concerns are often a good starting point. I believe this project represents a significant step toward achieving the common goal of water security for all in the region. I would like to express my gratitude to IWMI for this valuable initiative. – Mr. Stephen Berlinguette, Director, Climate Sustainable Growth Office, USAID Pakistan
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