ISLAMABAD: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) have signed an agreement for a $10.97 million project aimed at strengthening water research infrastructure and improving integrated water resources management.
The five-year initiative, scheduled to run from 2026 to 2030, will support efforts to improve water data collection, monitoring systems and research capabilities in response to growing climate and water security challenges.
The Record of Discussion (RoD) was signed at PCRWR headquarters in Islamabad in the presence of representatives from federal ministries, provincial departments and development partners.
Officials said the project will focus on modernizing research infrastructure, strengthening digital water information systems and enhancing the country’s capacity for data-driven water management. The initiative is expected to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
PCRWR Director General Dr. Hifza Rasheed said Pakistan faces increasing challenges from water scarcity, groundwater depletion and deteriorating water quality. She noted that the project would help establish real-time groundwater and surface water monitoring systems while supporting evidence-based policy decisions.
KOICA Pakistan Country Director Je Ho Yeon said the project reflects the Republic of Korea’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives and strengthening water governance through investment in technology and human resource development.
The project builds on two previous KOICA-supported water sector initiatives implemented with Pakistani institutions, including water quality management and monitoring programs completed over the past decade.
Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources said the project would support implementation of the National Water Policy 2018 and improve groundwater management capabilities, particularly in Islamabad and Sindh.
