Australia Pledges AUD 3 Million for Pakistan’s Climate-Resilient Water Project

Australia has committed AUD 3 million to support Pakistan in launching the “Climate Resilient and Adaptive Water Allocation in Pakistan” project, aimed at improving water management and boosting agricultural productivity over the next five years, with completion expected by 2029. The funding, announced by ARY News, reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Pakistan.

Memorandum Signed for Climate Resilient Water Management

The project received official approval from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, with Secretary EAD, Dr. Kazim Niaz, formalizing the agreement through a Memorandum of Subsidiary Agreement signed with Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The project’s core objective is to enhance canal water reliability by improving water allocation decisions and integrating mid-season planning. It also explores on-farm water storage to ensure that farming communities can adapt to climate change.

Advancing Water Use Efficiency for Social and Economic Growth

The press release from Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division highlighted the importance of updating the Water Apportionment Accord Tool, enabling more efficient water use across Pakistan’s agricultural sector. By addressing water distribution inequities, the project aims to achieve better social and economic outcomes for rural communities.

Pakistan Seeks Further Climate Change Support

In related developments, Pakistan is also pursuing an additional $1.5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to combat climate change impacts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis, with the IMF’s support geared toward fostering long-term economic stability and sustainability.