The 7th International Water Conference (7IWC) on “Water Security and Climate Change Adaptability” was organized by Riphah Institute of Public Policy, Riphah International University, PCRWR, and Water Aid in collaboration with Federal Flood Commission, University of Baltistan, Comsats University, Mehran University and department of Islamic Studies, Riphah International University from 29-30 December 2022 at Islamabad. The conference aimed to identify gaps in policies and planning in the water and climate change sector and to work out plausible recommendations.

The inaugural remarks were given by; Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor, Riphah University, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman, PCRWR, Mr. Arif Jabbar Khan, Country Director, Water Aid and Mr. Ahmad Kamal, Chairman, Federal Flood Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, Govt of Pakistan in addition to the overview given by Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director, RIPP.

Along with the scholars from Pakistan, International scholars including Dr. Imtiaz Khan, Dean George Washington University, USA, Dr. Asif Khan, University of Auckland, New Zealand, Ms. Tazeen Hasan, Canadian journalist, Dr. Akbar Zaid, Professor, Salam University, Afghanistan also contributed through their deliberations.

The speakers highlighted that Pakistan is at a very critical crossroads and there is a strong need to manage its fast decreasing per capita water availability, the erratic river flows, and changing water regimes due to climate change. The situation of water quality is not promising in the country which has an enormous impact on the health and well-being of the citizens of the country. It was highlighted that water security is an emerging national security challenge for Pakistan. The water availability vis-a-vis the burgeoning population, agriculture, and other uses of water are critical. The impacts of abnormal melting of glaciers, non-availability of dams for storage of rainwater, and lack of smart means for agricultural water have to be examined with empirically validated arguments. Further, in addition to engineering, management, economics, and social perspective of water & climate change, the Islamic perspective has also to be taken into account for creating awareness and policy advocacy. The preliminary session was followed by 4 technical sessions including a) Climate Change & Maritime Security, b) Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), c) Water Pollution & Waste Water Management, and d) Islamic Perspective on Climate Change. Sixty-Three (63) scholarly written papers were presented by the researchers/ academicians/ scientists from; PCRWR, University of Mehran, Centre of Research on Climate Change, Comsats, University of Baltistan, Balochistan University, International Islamic University, PIDE and Islamic Studies Department, Riphah, etc.

The presenters emphasized that a practical approach, consistent policies, political stability, effective water governance, and budget allocations are to be pursued to address the climate change issues. The conference concluded with the closing ceremony. Dr. Waleed Rasool, Dr. Musab, and Mr. Kashif Zaheer appreciated the partners and fellow faculty for their efforts for the successful conference. They also applauded the students for their contribution to the conference. In the end, souvenirs and certificates were given to Guest Speakers, Presenters, and organizers of the conference. Notable national media houses and newspapers covered the conference.