KARACHI, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (WNP): WaterAid Pakistan, in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, marked the successful conclusion of its three-year Urban Water initiative with a high-level learning and closing event in Karachi, celebrating critical gains in clean water access and hygiene promotion across Pakistan’s underserved urban areas.
Launched in 2022, the initiative improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in marginalized communities, schools, and healthcare facilities in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, directly benefiting tens of thousands of people. Key interventions included the installation of water filtration systems, community-led hygiene awareness campaigns, and the creation of local water user committees to ensure long-term sustainability.
Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, addressing the event, underscored water and sanitation as fundamental rights, urging greater institutional and societal accountability.
“WASH is essential for dignity, education, and health,” he said. “Every child deserves clean water and safe sanitation. I commend the efforts of those working in this field and call on all of us—government, civil society, and citizens—to collaborate and build systems that are climate-resilient and inclusive.”
WaterAid Pakistan’s Country Director, Mian Muhammad Junaid, emphasized the power of collaboration in achieving systemic change.
“This project has not only delivered infrastructure but has built local leadership and capacity. It stands as a strong example of how community, government, and private sector cooperation can generate shared value and sustainable impact.”
Hatim Khan, Senior Director of International Programs at the PepsiCo Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s global mission to improve water access in stressed regions.
“Our partnership with WaterAid demonstrates our commitment to sustainable water solutions in areas that need them most.”
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Learning Together for Sustainable WASH”, moderated by journalist Tauseeq Haider. Panelists included Haseeb Malik (PepsiCo Pakistan), Muhammad Ammad (IDEA), Nisar Ahmed Nizamani (DevCon), Dr. Amjad Rashid (Taraqee Foundation), and Saadia Iqbal (Mojaz Foundation). The session explored strategies for inclusive design, scale-up models, and long-term sustainability in WASH programming.
The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All—and a call to action for accelerated efforts to build a water-secure, climate-resilient future for all.
