QUETTA: The Standing Committee on Irrigation of the Balochistan Assembly has reviewed the proposed Balochistan Water Resources Management Bill 2026, which seeks to establish a legal framework for the integrated, efficient and sustainable management of water resources across the province.
The committee held detailed discussions on the proposed legislation, including institutional reforms aimed at improving the capacity and performance of bodies responsible for land and water management. The bill also seeks to align these reforms with the Balochistan Water Policy and establish an integrated system to address current and future water-related challenges.
The proposed law focuses on sustainable development and use of water resources, equitable access to water and giving practical effect to the human right to water.
It also includes measures to address the impacts of climate change, particularly floods and droughts, protect waterways and catchment areas, and promote water conservation.
The bill incorporates the concept of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which seeks to coordinate the management of water, land and related resources while balancing economic and social needs with the protection of ecosystems and the environment.
The proposed legislation covers water resources across Balochistan, including ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, glaciers, groundwater, surface water flows, wetlands, mangroves and coastal waters falling within provincial jurisdiction.
It also covers portions of inter-provincial and transboundary rivers located in Balochistan where the province has rights to obtain and use water, subject to international law and relevant agreements with the federal government.
Committee members discussed various provisions of the bill and presented suggestions on different clauses. The meeting concluded with appreciation for the committee members, Assembly officials, the Irrigation Department and other participants.
The meeting was attended by Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Prince Ahmad Umar Ahmadzai, Muhammad Asghar Rind, Noor Muhammad Dummar and Liaquat Ali Lehri. Prince Ahmad Umar Ahmadzai presided over the meeting after being nominated by members in the absence of the committee’s permanent chairman.
The proposed framework comes as water security, drought, flooding and climate-related pressures remain important challenges for Balochistan, making integrated water management and protection of natural water systems central to long-term resilience.
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