Sustainable Tourism Forum FPCCI & ICCD Jointly Hold Dialogue with Diplomats

Karachi: Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has reaffirmed apex body’s commitment to sustainable economic growth through proactive participation in a pivotal high-level meeting on national water security hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources. FPCCI President Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh and Senior Vice President Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon represented the apex trade body, underscoring the critical intersection of water management and industrial prosperity.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh informed that the high-profile meeting was chaired by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Mehar Ali Shah, and attended by Chairman Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Mr. Amjed Saeed, senior representatives from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and key officers from allied departments. This multi-stakeholder forum highlighted the urgency of addressing Pakistan’s water challenges amid growing demands from agriculture, industry, energy, and urban sectors, he added.

FPCCI President Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh stated: “Water security is the bedrock of Pakistan’s economic resilience. The business community stands ready to partner with the government in adopting cutting-edge solutions and sustainable practices that safeguard our industries and livelihoods for generations to come.”

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized optimizing existing water resources through loss reduction, demand-side management, and equitable distribution across provinces to ensure long-term availability for economic activities.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh stressed the need for accelerated investments in dams, reservoirs, canals, and irrigation networks to enhance storage capacity and mitigate flood-drought cycles impacting trade and industry. FPCCI advocates for business-friendly water policies, including incentives for water-efficient industries and regulatory frameworks that balance environmental sustainability with commercial viability.

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, stated that the forum explored models to mobilize private sector expertise and funding for large-scale water projects, fostering innovation and efficiency in infrastructure delivery.

SVP FPCCI elaborated the collaborative approaches involving government, industry, academia, and civil society; proposed to create holistic strategies that support Pakistan’s export-oriented sectors which depend on reliable water supply.

Senior Vice President Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon added: “Today’s dialogue marks a significant step toward integrated water governance. FPCCI will continue to champion policies that enable our members to thrive in a water-secure environment, driving national growth and global competitiveness.”

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to prioritize water as a strategic national asset, with FPCCI pledging ongoing advocacy and business community’s support to expedite actionable reforms.

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.

Secretary General