Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has said water is life and arduous efforts are needed to save the country from becoming water scarce.

Addressing the opening session of two-day international symposium on 'Creating a water secure Pakistan' in Islamabad on Friday afternoon, he said water is what life is made for and humans can live without food, but cannot survive without water.

The Chief Justice said unfortunately no dedicated efforts were made during the past 40 years to construct dams and water reservoirs in the country. He said water reserves in Pakistan have decreased to an alarming level and if drastic measures are not taken now, Pakistan could run dry by 2025.

Mian Saqib Nisar said judiciary cannot remain oblivious to this issue as it has the obligation to protect the rights of ordinary citizens. He said we took this issue and passed judgment, urging the executive to play its role for construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam.

He said the dam fund was created while keeping in mind that country has not much capital to construct large dams. There was an overwhelming response from the public and even children and pensioners made contributions in this fund. The Chief Justice said the sensitization of issue at the national level has made the nation realize the importance of water conservation and management. Even in ordinary day life, people have started thinking of not to waste this precious source of life.

Addressing the conference, Chairman WAPDA Muzammil Hussain said that we are poised to start construction work on Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam. 

He said that the intervention of the Chief Justice of Pakistan for construction of dams is a turning point in our history and we are entering an era of progress and stability.

The Chairman WAPDA also gave an overview of the hydel power projects completed most recently saying the country has a great potential of generating hydel electricity.

The Chairman WAPDA said the Indian side is constructing dams on our rivers in clear violations of Indus Water Treaty.

He said our storage capacity is also reducing due to sediment in Tarbela and Mangla dams. He said by exploiting the hydel potential, the country can meet the current crisis.