Inaugural Session

The International Conference on Emerging Trends in Water Management (ICETWM-2022) commenced with an inaugural session that emphasized the critical importance of water management in the context of emerging global and local challenges.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and a Naat Rasool e Maqbool, followed by the National Anthem. Mr. Kamran Saleem, Director of the National Alliance for Safe Food-Sindh, delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for the day’s discussions by highlighting the significance of water management in ensuring public health and food security in Pakistan.

Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food Pakistan, provided an overview of the conference objectives, underscoring the pressing need to address water-related issues as a core component of national development strategies. He emphasized the role of the National Alliance for Safe Food in advocating for better water management practices and its commitment to promoting safe food and water standards across the country.

Presentations

The session featured a series of presentations from experts in the field, each offering valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges associated with water management and its impact on public health:

• Naveed Bhutto, a Nutrition & Food Security Expert, presented on the topic “Nutrition, Water & Sanitation & Food Insecurity Future Challenges.” He discussed the intricate linkages between water, nutrition, and food security, emphasizing the future challenges that Pakistan may face if these issues are not adequately addressed.
• Iqbal Burcha, Consultant & Trainer at IBA Karachi, followed with his presentation, contributing to the broader understanding of water management in the context of food security.
• Syeda Sadaf Akbar, Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Malir University, delivered a compelling presentation on “The Challenges for Water Pollution; A Threat to Public Health.” She highlighted the alarming levels of water pollution and its direct impact on public health, urging immediate action to mitigate these threats.
• Miss Asna Burny, QA Manager at Marriott Hotel, and Miss Uroosa Aslam, Head of Quality/R&D at Dreamworld (Q&N Flavors), each provided their professional perspectives on water quality management in their respective industries, emphasizing the role of quality assurance in ensuring safe water for consumers.
• Zubala Yasir Lutfi from the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of Karachi presented on the often-overlooked topic “Water: An Overlooked Nutrient,” bringing attention to the essential role of water as a nutrient and its significance in overall health.
• Manzoor Ahmad, Sales & Application Specialist at LABTECH, addressed the technical aspects of water management in his presentation on “Flue Gas Analysis & Waste Water in the Industry,” discussing the challenges and solutions in managing industrial wastewater.
• Ghufran Saeed from the Department of Food Sciences & Technology at the University of Karachi presented on “Biological and Chemical Contaminants of Drinking Water and Its Impact on Human Health.” His presentation provided a deep dive into the various contaminants present in drinking water and their severe implications for human health.

The session concluded with a keynote talk by Prof. Dr. Rafiq Khanani, President of the Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan, who provided expert insights into the intersection of water management and infectious diseases. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of water quality to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Remarks and Closing

The inaugural session was further enriched by an address from Mr. Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of the Consumer Association of Pakistan, who discussed the consumer perspective on water management, advocating for stronger regulatory frameworks to protect public health. The session concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who summarized the key points raised during the session and reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling water management challenges.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Kamran Abbasi, Organizer of the Pak Water and Energy Expo 2022, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the event.

Panel Discussion: Water Scenario; Are we Heading Towards Disaster

The conference featured a panel discussion titled “Water Scenario; Are we Heading Towards Disaster,” moderated by Mr. Usman Ghani, CEO of Guru Mug. The panel brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to discuss the current water scenario in Pakistan and the potential risks if urgent action is not taken.

The panelists included:

• Mr. Shahzaib Sheikh, Deputy Director Operations, Sindh Food Authority
• Dr. Abid Sheikh, Sindh Resilience Project, Government of Sindh
• Dr. Romaina Iqbal, Expert Nutritionist
• Mr. Shahid Iqbal, Bake Parlour
• Mr. Aurangzeb, Sohaira International
• Mr. Azeem Dilawar, Mehran Foods
• Mr. Saad Azeem, Affinity Liaison Services

Each panelist shared their expertise and insights on the challenges and opportunities in water management. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the resilience of water infrastructure, the impact of water quality on public health, and the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable water practices.

The panelists collectively underscored the urgency of the water crisis in Pakistan and the need for a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders, including government, industry, and civil society. They emphasized the importance of innovation, regulation, and public awareness in addressing the water challenges facing the country.

Conclusion

The International Conference on Emerging Trends in Water Management (ICETWM-2022) provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss and address the pressing issues related to water management in Pakistan. The conference highlighted the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to ensure sustainable water management practices that protect public health and support the country’s long-term development goals.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to work together towards a future where water security is assured, and the risks of water-related disasters are minimized. The discussions and presentations from the conference will serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to address the water challenges in Pakistan and beyond.