Islamabad — The Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA) has reported progress under its “Rising for Rights” initiative, with local governments in Pakistan allocating dedicated funding to support Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS).
The project, implemented across all seven South Asian countries, focuses on strengthening advocacy, governance, and public investment to ensure equitable access to safe sanitation services. In Pakistan, the initiative is being carried out in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Quetta, Balochistan, where engagement with local authorities has resulted in new budgetary commitments.
According to FANSA, the City Government of Mardan and the Tehsil Government of Takht Bhai have each allocated PKR 1 million for CWIS-related interventions. The funding is intended to support inclusive and sustainable sanitation planning and reflects increased political ownership at the local level.
Regional review and knowledge sharing
A regional progress review workshop is currently underway in Maldives, bringing together representatives from South Asian countries to assess implementation progress, share lessons learned, and address challenges related to inclusive sanitation.
Pakistan is being represented at the workshop by Mr. Karim Baloch and Mr. Shah Nasir, Regional Co-Convener of FANSA. The representatives are presenting Pakistan’s experience, including the mobilization of local government financing for CWIS, and contributing to regional discussions on rights-based sanitation approaches.
FANSA said it remains focused on promoting sanitation as a fundamental human right and supporting member organizations in influencing policies, budgets, and practices aimed at expanding equitable sanitation access.
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