It gives me great pleasure, satisfaction and hope to see Hisaar foundation grow from a small plant of resolve to a tree of knowledge. But so much more is still left to be done, as new challenges confront us, even as we struggle with the old. The pace of climate change, floods and other disasters in an environment of low political will and politicized discourse on water means constant vigilance, debate, pressure and lobbying with diverse groups of people, while also providing solutions on the ground.
As a volunteer-led organization, Hisaar Foundation continues to be driven by passion, commitment and effort in providing the intellectual underpinning for water sector development and management in Pakistan. Whether it is the Governors, the Council Members, the members of the Think Tank on the Rational Use of Water, the Universities for Water Network, the Women and Water Network or volunteers in their hundreds that come together whenever needed, Hisaar Foundation is distinguished by voluntary service. We have one foot in academia and the other in practice. We walk the talk.
Hisaar Foundation’s journey began in 2000 when a group of friends launched an emergency appeal to help people affected by drought in Thar desert, in the south eastern part of Pakistan. It was formalized as a non-profit company in 2003. Hisaar Foundation is recognized in Pakistan and in international water circuit as the voice of citizens on water conservation, water management, water security and their related food and livelihood dimensions. It has developed and implemented concepts of Cost Synergy and Mutual Accountability, Urban Water Partnerships, Area Water Partnerships, Karachi Water Partnership and Total Water Solution, all of which have been showcased and appreciated globally.
With two years of intensive debate and discussions, the Think Tank of Hisaar Foundation has recently published and launched Recommendations for Pakistan’s National Water Policy Framework, as a citizens’ effort to feed into the formal water policy of Pakistan. The value of this effort can be gauged from the fact that the government of Pakistan has failed to bring out a national water policy after 20 years of trying to do so. Hisaar Foundation’s document is referenced extensively, with its 10 year framework, 5 defined focus areas and 10 defined goals. Work on frameworks for provincial water policies is under way as are the discussions to define the necessary institutional re-alignment among existing water institutions in Pakistan.
The Universities for Water Network (UWN) is engaged in developing the water disciplines, theories, subjects, technologies and person power of the future, thinking not of the next 10 years, but the next hundred years. We are working on establishing Pakistan’s first institute of multidisciplinary studies on water at a public sector university in Pakistan.
Hisaar Foundation can pride itself for bringing awareness on water conservation and water issues to the corporate sector, as can be seen from long-lasting partnerships with Pakistani companies, banks and businesses.
Hisaar Foundation’s support of locally produced water systems, school water programmes and food security in remote areas, have taught partners how to conceptualize and implement key interventions. Following Project Aab (water) and then project Aab-o-Daana (water and food), Hisaar Foundation is currently implementing Project Aab-e-Thar (water for Thar) with low-cost water solutions for drought-ridden areas in the South of the country. Water saving guidelines have been extensively used and disseminated across homes, schools, offices, businesses, plants, parks, mosques, with the collaboration of government at various tiers, including Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.
I am happy that I remain closely connected to the work of Hisaar Foundation and able to provide guidance and support to its academic committee. Hisaar Foundation’s current focus on corporate responsibility, academia, media, youth and women as agents of change and the architects of a new water security paradigm in Pakistan, is correct and timely.
The contributions of our Sponsoring Partners, who have provided knowledge sharing, funds and moral support and Implementing Partners, who have helped test ideas and solutions on the ground, are much appreciated. The efforts of the small group of staff members who have worked diligently over the years, is commendable for the range of outputs produced, as they continue to punch above their weight. These young people have put Hisaar Foundation right into the age of information technology and social media, to develop new groups of supporters to the cause of water.
Simi Kamal
