AKU-IED, NED University conclude Phase I of WASH, rainwater harvesting project in Murree

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Feb, 2026) The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with NED University of Engineering & Technology, has concluded Phase I of a year-long Community Mobilisation and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Education under the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting initiative benefiting communities in the Murree District.

The project, formally marked at a closing ceremony here at AKU’s Karimabad campus on Wednesday, aimed to raise WASH awareness and promote rainwater harvesting as a climate-resilient solution in water-stressed hill regions, said an AKU news release issued here.

Despite receiving substantial rainfall, Murree and Kotli Sattian face chronic water shortages due to steep terrain, rapid runoff, tourism pressure and limited infrastructure. The Urban Unit, Government of Punjab, initiated the rooftop rainwater harvesting programme incorporating safe storage and filtration systems in more than 1,100 households during the first phase, supported through community education led by AKU-IED and NED University.

Through school-based learning, practical activities and community engagement, the initiative strengthened hygiene practices, water conservation awareness and environmental stewardship. The programme directly engaged 4,726 students and 220 community members, demonstrating the effectiveness of an education-led approach.

Dr Fozia Parveen of AKU said the project had provided a unique opportunity to work closely with the government and community partners. She noted that Phase I involved extensive collaboration with schools and partners, including Suthra Punjab, and added that the next phase would focus on establishing a water quality laboratory in Kotli Sattian with an emphasis on citizen science. She said the findings would be translated into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network and education stakeholders from Karachi, alongside officials from AKU and NED University. Among the participants were Vice Provost Research Dr. Salim Virani and Dean, Institute for Educational Development, Dr Farid Panjwani, as well as noted urban planner Arif Hasan.

Project leads Dr Fozia Parveen and Dr Abdul Ghaffar of NED University reaffirmed continued collaboration in Phase II, including plans by AKU to establish a water quality laboratory in Kotli Sattian.

The organisers expressed appreciation to the Urban Unit, Government of Punjab, for entrusting them with the initiative, describing it as a strong example of local partnership for sustainable, climate-responsive WASH solutions in Pakistan.