Introduction

The conference titled “Water is Life, Water is Food; Leave No One Behind” was held from October 25 to October 27, 2023, at the Expo Center Hall-01, 1st Floor, Conference Room. The event was organized by the National Alliance for Safe Food (NAFS) in collaboration with various academic and industry partners. The conference aimed to address critical issues surrounding water crises, food security, and sustainable practices in Pakistan. The three-day event included an inaugural session, technical sessions, special lectures, and a closing ceremony.

Inaugural Session

The conference commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the arrival and networking of guests. The inauguration of the expo was conducted by the Chief Guest, followed by a media talk. The formal inauguration session included the recitation of the Holy Quran, Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool, and the National Anthem.

Welcome Address: The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Rana Muhammad Awais Khan, Chairman of the National Alliance for Safe Food, who emphasized the importance of addressing water-related issues in Pakistan and the role of the conference in bringing together experts from various fields.

Words of Conference: Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Chairman of the Conference and Chairman of the Department of Food Sciences, Punjab University Lahore, highlighted the conference’s objectives and the need for innovative solutions to the water crisis.

Opening Remarks: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Haider, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, provided insights into the significance of the conference in the context of agricultural sustainability.

Guest of Honor Remarks: Several distinguished guests, including Dr. Shahazad Amin (CEO, Pakistan Dairy Association), Mr. Sajid Ali (Head of Operations, Helping Hand for Relief and Development Pakistan), Sardar Fahad Khan (Patron, National Alliance for Safe Food), and Syed Waqas Anjum Jafri (Secretary General, Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan), shared their perspectives on the importance of water conservation and food security.

Chief Guest Remarks: The Chief Guest, Mr. Muhammad Masoud Anwar, Secretary of Livestock Punjab, addressed the audience, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to tackle water scarcity and its impact on food production.

Vote of Thanks: The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President of the National Alliance for Safe Food, followed by a group photo with the guests and the organizing team.

Technical Session-01: Addressing Water Crises and Ensuring a Liquid Future in Pakistan

The first technical session, organized by the Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences (UBAS), focused on the critical issue of water crises in Pakistan.

Session Highlights:

• Mr. Muhammad Aqib Shabbir discussed the hidden impacts and AI-based detection of emerging contaminants on ecosystems and human health.
• Zargull Arshad addressed the issue of microplastics in water pollution.
• Habiba Naeem highlighted the impact of water-borne and water-washed diseases on human health.
• Dr. M. Azeem presented innovative solutions and sustainable recommendations for water crises in Pakistan.
• Keynote Lecture by Dr. Shafqat Rasool: A detailed exploration of the role of Eastern Medicine in addressing water-related health issues.

The session concluded with remarks from the session co-chair, Dr. Ammara Hasnain, and guest of honor, Dr. Hafiz M. Idress Khan. Shields and certificates were distributed, and a group photo was taken.

Technical Session-02: EcoHarmony – Exploring the Interactions of Water, Food, Energy, and Pest Management

This session was organized by Urban Pest Management and explored the intricate relationships between water, food, energy, and pest management.

Session Highlights:

• Dr. Sumbal Nazir emphasized the critical role of biodiversity in food security and the impact of insect diversity.
• Dr. Kanza Aziz addressed challenges and provided solutions for the future of the food industry.
• Hamza Naeem discussed the impact of climate change on water, food, energy, and pest dynamics.
• Dr. Sumaira Maqsood highlighted the environmental ramifications of pesticides.

The session concluded with remarks from the session chair and co-chair, followed by the distribution of shields, certificates, and a group photo.

Day-02 Special Session by Poland Embassy

A special session managed by the Poland Embassy featured a lecture by Mr. Ghaith G. Ghezawi, General Manager of Chemicals METITO Dubai, on the innovative application of chlorine dioxide in cooling systems. The session provided valuable insights into water treatment technologies and their importance in sustainable practices.

Technical Session-03: Addressing Water Crises and Ensuring a Liquid Future in Pakistan

The final technical session, organized by Superior University, Lahore, continued the focus on water crises and their impact on health.

Session Highlights:

• Mr. Usama Asif discussed the consequences of high blood pressure on quality of life and diet-based treatments.
• Mr. Muaz Hassan presented a diet-based approach to managing obesity.
• Dr. Kanwal Ashiq explored drug development and discovery methods.
• Ms. Painda Tariq provided an overview of the pharmacology and phytochemistry of the black carrot, Daucus carota L.

The session concluded with remarks from the session chair and co-chair, followed by the distribution of shields and certificates, and a group photo.

Special Session by SPMA and Closing Ceremony

The final day featured a special session by SPMA with a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Ejaz Hussain Bajwa. Panelists included industry leaders who shared their insights on pest management and food security.

The closing ceremony included opening remarks by Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, remarks by guests of honor, and conference recommendations by Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali. The event concluded with the distribution of shields and certificates among organizers and team members, followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Awais Khan, Chairman of NAFS Pakistan.

Conclusion

The conference successfully brought together experts from various fields to address the pressing issue of water crises in Pakistan. Through technical sessions, special lectures, and panel discussions, the event provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions related to water management, food security, and sustainable practices. The recommendations and insights shared during the conference will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and strategies to ensure a sustainable and secure future for Pakistan.