Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that India is trying to use water as a weapon. Water is the guarantee of Pakistan's survival. No obstacle will be tolerated in this. However, it is necessary to increase our water resources on a war footing.

The government will ensure the implementation of water resources projects despite limited resources. A detailed strategy will be announced soon in this regard. Pakistan is facing challenges such as water scarcity, food security, prevention of flood waves from mountain streams, flood prevention measures and climate change.

To address these problems, the government of Pakistan has set various targets under the National Water Policy 2018, keeping in mind the comprehensive water resources management mechanism, including an increase of 10 million acre feet in water storage, reduction in water wastage. 33 percent reduction, and monitoring of the Indus Waters Irrigation System, out of sixty-nine water projects completed last year, thirty-four projects were completed, with a total cost of two hundred and ninety-five billion rupees. A total of one hundred and thirty-three billion rupees has been allocated for the Water Resources Division in the current financial year.

Of which one hundred and two billion rupees have been kept for further investment in thirty-four ongoing water projects, out of which ninety-five billion rupees have been allocated for fifteen major projects related to water storage, flood protection, telemetry system on the Indus Basin and water conservation. Rs 32.7 billion has been allocated for Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Rs 35.7 billion for Mohmand Dam, and Rs 5 billion for Geshkur Dams.