The government of Pakistan has taken decisive steps to combat the escalating water crisis in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
On January 10, 2026, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), WAPDA, Punjab government, and other stakeholders.
The meeting focused on both immediate relief and sustainable solutions amid reports of worsening shortages, where current supply meets only a fraction of the demand (around 70 MGD against a requirement of approximately 220 MGD).
Key decisions included launching an emergency action plan, ordering a strict crackdown on water theft and misuse, and approving new dam projects to boost long-term storage and supply.
Emergency Measures and Short-Term Roadmap
Minister Naqvi declared water supply to residents as his top priority and directed authorities to utilize all available resources for immediate needs.
A comprehensive 10-day roadmap has been demanded to identify flaws in the existing distribution system, fix leaks, and ensure uninterrupted delivery.
Officials were instructed to address gaps in infrastructure promptly, with a focus on overhauling the network and preventing wastage. This short-term strategy aims to provide quick relief while larger projects are underway.
Long-Term Infrastructure Development
For sustainable solutions, the CDA and Punjab government will collaborate on constructing new dams. The Dotara Dam, designed to store 110 million gallons per day (MGD), has been approved for completion within two years.
Progress updates were also reviewed on the Chirah and Shahdara dam projects, with authorities fast-tracking feasibility, funding, and timelines (targeting completion by December 2027 for some).
These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance water availability for both urban and rural areas in the capital region, addressing chronic shortages driven by population growth, declining groundwater levels, and inadequate storage.