Ravaged by border conflicts and terrorism, Pakistan has another crisis brewing up in its backyard: water shortage, which may blow up into a war of its own kind. And hence the Pakistani Ambassador, Omar Khan Ali Sherzai, speaking at a seminar here Wednesday evening, had no hesitation in declaring that “the next war will indeed be fought on water.” Sherzai was, however, in his element best. “We don't want wars. It is not in our interest. We are a peaceful nation. But, we will fight for our cause.” Later talking to Saudi Gazette, he showed his diplomatic acumen when answering a question whether he was concerned about India coming closer to Saudi Arabia. He appeared quite generous in praising India: “No country can ignore India. It is an important country. We appreciate India coming closer to Saudi Arabia that may solve many of our problems like water crisis.” The seminar, which was organized by the Engineer Welfare Forum (EWF) on Agro Engineering, a subject vital to the progress and development of Pakistan, drew scores of high-profile town planners, architects, engineering professionals and scholars, besides a number of Pakistani diplomats that included the Consul General, Mr. Salik Khan, besides the Ambassador, who was the chief guest. Engg. Masroor Elahi Khan, the secretary general of the Forum conducted the proceedings and Engg. Qazi Mohammad Asif recited from the Qur'an. The EWF President, Engg. Abdul Aleem Khan, delivered the presidential welcome address and engineers like S. Amanullah Hussaini, Aftab Islam Agha and Prof. Maqsood Ahmad presented the papers that on the main highlighted the crises Pakistan facing in agro sector and also the water shortage, central to the life of agriculture. “Water is lifeline of prospered civilizations; the abundance or shortage of water decide the fate of a civilization,” noted Amanullah Hussaini in his presentation. The seminar adopted several recommendations to be forwarded to Pakistan. Umar Chapra, a leading economist, presented mementoes to several engineers.
