Peshawar - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Public Health Engineering, Fazal Shakoor Khan, has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to expanding access to safe drinking water and improving sanitation infrastructure. This commitment was reiterated while reviewing ongoing climate resilience initiatives with a delegation from UNICEF during a meeting held at his office.
The minister and UNICEF representatives discussed the growing challenges posed by climate change, as well as measures to strengthen water supply systems, sanitation services, and drainage infrastructure across the province. Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Arshad Umarzai, senior officials of the Public Health Engineering Department, and representatives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Investment and Institutional Support Project (KP-RIISP) also attended the meeting.
The UNICEF delegation, comprising WASH Officer Rahmanullah and WASH Specialist Farooq Abbasi, briefed the minister on ongoing projects in Charsadda aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and enhancing environmental sustainability. Officials reviewed progress on existing interventions and discussed future initiatives designed to improve climate resilience, strengthen water management systems, and expand access to essential public services in both urban and rural areas.
The meeting also examined proposals to upgrade sanitation facilities, improve drainage networks, and introduce reforms aimed at ensuring more efficient delivery of water and sanitation services. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khan said the provision of clean drinking water and improved sanitation remained among the provincial government's foremost priorities. He stated that practical measures were being undertaken to modernize water supply and sanitation systems across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that access to safe water and effective sanitation services was essential for public health and sustainable development.
The minister emphasized the need for closer collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to address the challenges arising from climate change and environmental degradation. He also acknowledged UNICEF's contribution to public welfare, water supply, sanitation, and climate adaptation initiatives, and assured the organization of the provincial government's continued support for future projects.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation and accelerating joint efforts to improve water, sanitation, and climate resilience services across the province.
