RAWALPINDI - Pakistan is going to face worst form of water shortage in the coming future due to increasing demand and depleting storage capacity of its water reservoirs. This was said by the scientists at the seminar on World Water Day at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR) Rawalpindi here on Tuesday. Prof Dr Muneer Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences was the chief guest on the occasion. The scientists were of the opinion that growing population is consuming more freshwater while climate change is making less water available. They stressed to manage water carefully and balancing the varied needs for it is vital because glaciers recede, rainfall becomes less predictable, and floods and droughts become more extreme. While addressing the participants of the seminar, Prof Dr Muneer Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences said March 22nd, an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the role that freshwater plays important role in our world and lives. He remarked that fresh water is essential for healthy ecosystems, sustainable development and human survival, yet in too many places, the water is wasted and taken for granted. "All over the world, pollution, over consumption and poor water management are decreasing both the quantity and quality of available water," he added. He hoped that we take this day to renew our commitment to achieve our vision - the day when everyone in the world can take a safe drink of water. Dr Khalid Riaz and Richard Garstang from Wetlands Programme also delivered lectures on the occasion. Students of Department of Environmental Sciences and Soil Science and Water Conservation also display charts and banner in connection with World Water Day in the University premises, which were appreciated by the participants of the seminar, faculty members and students. It may be recalled that seminar was arranged by the Department of Environmental Sciences and Soil Science and Water Conservation and the theme of the World Water day year 2009 is "Trans-boundary Waters: Sharing Water, Sharing Opportunities."