US-Backed Project Advances Islamabad Groundwater Management -

TIMES REPORT

ISLAMABAD: ScaleX Technologies Pvt. Ltd. marked the completion of the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 project, “Protecting Islamabad’s Groundwater Aquifer,” with a closing ceremony highlighting its findings, lessons and the future of groundwater management in Islamabad. The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik and U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Andy Halus.

Led by ScaleX team members and U.S. exchange alumni Adnan Faisal and Sayaf Arbab, the project was supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). Working with the CDA, the team equipped two existing groundwater recharge sites with smart monitoring systems that track recharge, groundwater levels, rainfall and selected water-quality parameters in real time, demonstrating how recharge can become more measurable, transparent and effectively managed.

At the ceremony, the team presented its final report, project outcomes and key lessons, calling for a more systematic approach combining appropriate siting, sound infrastructure, continuous monitoring and effective maintenance. The project and its approach were welcomed by the attending stakeholders, with Dr. Musadik Malik emphasizing the importance of smarter groundwater management for climate resilience.

Minister Musadik Malik highlighted the need for improved management of surface and groundwater following the recent heavy rainfall in Islamabad. He said around 200 millimetres of rain had been recorded in the capital—the highest in three years—causing flooding. He emphasized that properly managing water resources was essential to safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable water availability. He added that the government aims to encourage innovative approaches and greater private-sector involvement in addressing environmental challenges.

U.S. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Andy Halus added, “This project reflects the best of American innovation. By working hand-in-hand with U.S. water experts, ScaleX and TiE have shown how U.S. technology, innovation, and expertise can directly help secure Islamabad’s water future.”

The ceremony also brought together representatives from government, industry, donor and development organizations, academia and the private sector. Discussions emphasized stronger coordination and future partnerships to help Islamabad manage its groundwater as a shared and increasingly critical resource.