ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the need for formulation of a multidimensional strategy to address the issue of water shortages.

He was addressing a five day conference on the use of space technology in water management in Islamabad on Monday.

The Minister said a joint funds needs to be established by the countries situated along the coastal belt to speed up research as to how the sea water could be used for agriculture and other purposes.

Ahsan Iqbal said that space technology today is guiding us in every aspect of economic activity. He said efficient use of water is possible through the use of satellite technology.

The Minister pointed out that Islamic countries are lagging behind in the space technology and it is need of the hour to invest in it to achieve the objective of sustainable development.