The Institution of Engineers Pakistan, Saudi Arabian Chapter (IEP-SAC), organized its annual seminar, titled "Water Stress and Scarcity — Grand Challenge for Engineers" in King Salman Social Centre, Riyadh, recently. As a normal practice of IEP-SAC, an exhibition of engineering products and related Technology was set up at the event which was visited by the chief guest, Engr. Farooq Shaikh, a senior Engineer and ex officio of IEP-SAC, and a number of guest engineers. Proceedings of the seminar started with the recitation of Holy Qur'an by Engr. Asim Siddiqui, who explained the obligations of human beings to use natural resources economically and sustainably. Engr.Iqbal Ahmed, general secretary of IEP-SAC, who was conducting the proceedings of the seminar invited Engr. Rizwan Ahmed, the chairman of Eastern Sub-center for presenting the annual report of his sub-center for 2016-17. Engr. Rizwan Ahmed, while briefing on the activities, recalled that this year their slogan was "VISION", a power of imagination to foresee and analyze the resources in correct perspective and to guide on the future planning accordingly. Convener of the Technical Committee Engr. Sh. Asrar Ahmed gave introduction of the keynote speaker Engr. Kirmani and invited him for his presentation. Engr. Kirmani, currently chairman of IEP-SAC, has served in the Kingdom for more than 40 years as a chief engineer in a very reputable engineering consultant organization and achieved a high level of competence in his position. While giving the introduction to the topic, Engr. Kirmani referred to Qur'anic verses and covered almost all aspects related to the seminar topic. "Water is the driving force of all nature. Unfortunately, the supplies are running dry for our planet and most of the major aquifers in the world are over stressed. Also, there are major multinational disputes over River water. As a result, future impact of water scarcity may be devastating," Kirmani said. He recalled that about 1.1 billion people on the planet lack access to fresh water and 2.7 billion experience water scarcity at least one month a year. While referring to internationally accepted parameters, he pointed out that Pakistan has already entered into water scarcity phase from water stress phase as per capita annual fresh water availability is now less than 1000 Cu. m. Engr. Kirmani concluded that due to growing population, excessive demand for agriculture, climate change and erratic water management, water crisis is eminent. By 2050 shortfall of 30 percent fresh water is foreseen in Pakistan which might result in shortage of food by 7.0 million tons per year. He stated that the construction of Kishan Ganga dam across Jhelum River is a big threat for Pakistan as flow of water to Mangla dam and its irrigation network will face serious setback. By making such reservoirs, India is acting against the spirit of Indus water treaty signed between Pakistan and India in 1960. In order to alleviate the water crisis in Pakistan, Engr, Kirmani outlined a number of recommendations supported by Science, engineering and good stewardship. The chief guest, Engr. Farooq Sheikh, a prominent engineer and ex executive member of IEP-SAC, commended the performance of IEP-SAC, particularly he praised the scholarship program of IEP-SAC and expressed good wishes for success in future. He applauded the scholarly presentation by Engr. Kirmani. As a chairman of IEP-SAC Engr. Kirmani expressed his appreciation and thanks for continued patronage of IEP-SAC by the ambassador of Pakistan and embassy staff as a whole. He expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his government in facilitating Pakistani engineers for playing their vital role in the development of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia.
