Water for People: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan’s WASH Sector

The "Water for People" conference in Islamabad on May 21–22 was more than just a gathering; it was a loud call to action. Over 100 professionals from 5 continents, including representatives from federal and provincial governments, civil society, academia, and development partners, converged to tackle the pressing issues in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. This dynamic event aligned closely with the new World Bank Pakistan Country Partnership Framework, which aims to dramatically expand WASH access across the country to reduce child stunting. Progress is already underway: the recently approved Second Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project will benefit over 6 million people; in Punjab, we’re supporting efforts to reach nearly 6 million rural residents and an additional 4 million in secondary cities. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, our programs are reaching around 300,000 people, with new operations set to launch in Quetta. Together, these initiatives are advancing the World Bank’s 2035 goal of providing water and sanitation access to 60 million people.

Three big takeaways lit up the conference halls:

1. "Cheap is Expensive, Expensive is Cheap"

Imagine a world where investing in quality today saves you from costly repairs tomorrow. This was the essence of Oliver Cumming's keynote, where he invoked a Chinese proverb to drive home a powerful message: "Cheap is expensive, expensive is cheap." Olivier is the Director of the Environmental Health Group at  London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Basic water services, like communal taps, may appear cost-effective at first glance, but they often mask deeper systemic issues. These services typically fall short in ensuring water quality and accessibility — all critical factors in public health outcomes. The data is compelling: safely managed water services, such as piped water and functional toilets, can reduce diarrheal diseases more than twice as effectively as basic services. For Pakistan, this means that if the goal is to combat child stunting, the ambition must be set at safely managed services.

2. Fixing Institutional Stunting to Address Child Stunting

Nasir Javed, the former CEO of the Punjab Urban Unit, painted a vivid picture of the institutional hurdles plaguing the WASH sector. Fragmentation, overlapping mandates, and weak capacity are the invisible chains holding back progress. Without robust institutions and clear accountability, even the most substantial investments will fall short. The conference echoed a clarion call for the creation or empowerment of regulators to set tariffs, monitor service delivery, and ensure that utilities prioritize people over paperwork.

3. Launch of the Pakistan WASH Platform

In a moment that sparked excitement and hope, the conference witnessed the birth of the Pakistan WASH Platform. This initiative is set to support the sector by coordinating efforts among development partners and NGOs. It's not just about pooling finances; it's about sharing knowledge and scaling up what works while leaving behind what doesn't. This platform is poised to be the engine driving WASH transformation across provinces, embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Conclusion

The "Water for People" conference delivered a clear message: basic solutions won’t cut it, strong institutions are essential, and collaboration is our greatest asset. Now is the time to move from talk to action — to identify what works, fix what doesn’t, and scale effective solutions. With aligned priorities and growing momentum, there’s a real opportunity to make lasting progress in Pakistan’s WASH sector.

The story was authored by Carlo Alberto Amadei, Water Specialist at the World Bank.