ISLAMABAD, June 4: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has committed up to $10.97 million in grant assistance for a new five-year project aimed at strengthening water research infrastructure and improving integrated water resources management capacity.
The project, titled “Improving PCRWR Research Infrastructure and Enhancing Integrated Water Resources Management Capacity,” was formally launched through the signing of a Record of Discussion (RoD) between KOICA and the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) at PCRWR headquarters in Islamabad.
The initiative comes as Pakistan faces increasing challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, groundwater depletion and growing demand for water resources. The project will run from 2026 to 2030 and will be implemented in Islamabad and Sindh, including Karachi.
According to officials, the project aims to improve data-driven water management by upgrading digital research infrastructure, monitoring systems and water information networks. It also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Pakistan through joint development activities.
Focus on water data and resource management
The project will support the development of real-time groundwater and surface water monitoring systems, modernization of laboratory and research facilities, expansion of digital water information systems and technical capacity building for relevant institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, PCRWR Director General Dr. Hifza Rasheed said Pakistan continues to face serious challenges related to water scarcity, groundwater depletion and declining water quality. She said the project would help strengthen integrated water resources management and support evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Rasheed added that the initiative is aligned with the National Water Policy 2018 and is expected to improve the country’s ability to manage water resources more sustainably.
Building on previous cooperation
The new project marks the third major phase of cooperation between KOICA and Pakistani institutions in the water sector.
KOICA previously supported the National Capacity Building Institute for Water Quality Management project with PCRWR from 2011 to 2017, with funding of $3 million. This was followed by a $7.42 million project implemented between 2019 and 2024 to strengthen water quality monitoring systems and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
KOICA Pakistan Country Director Je Ho Yeon said investments in digital research infrastructure and human resource development are essential for improving water governance and ensuring sustainable management of water resources.
Support for national water policy
Representing the Ministry of Water Resources, Director (Monitoring) Syed Ayaz Muhammad Haider welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the project.
He said the initiative would strengthen national capacity for data-driven water management and contribute to the implementation of the National Water Policy 2018. He added that the project is expected to enhance the Capital Development Authority’s groundwater management capabilities through improved access to real-time groundwater data and decision-making tools.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Public Health Engineering and Rural Development Department Sindh, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
