DGF Launches Project Aab-e-Nemat to Provide Clean Drinking Water in Skardu

The project aims to ensure sustainable

long-term access to clean drinking water

for vulnerable populations across Pakistan

Correspondent

Skardu: The Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) has launched Project Aab-e-Nemat, a nationwide clean water initiative starting in the underserved mountain communities of Skardu. The project aims to ensure sustainable, long-term access to clean drinking water for vulnerable populations across Pakistan.

Empowering Communities Through Water Access

Guided by Tara Uzra Dawood, President of DGF, the initiative is rooted in a fundamental belief: “Water is life, and access to safe drinking water is a human right—not a privilege.”

In its first phase, 11 solar-powered water boreholes have been installed in Skardu’s most water-deprived regions, including:
Hargisa Toq, Katpana, Eidgah, Brolmo, Astana, Sundus, Thang Katpana, Ghazi Nuhalla, Sarkhor Ragayool, Ranga, and Qomrah.

International Collaboration for Local Impact

Six of the 11 boreholes were built in partnership with Dubai-based organizations Impact Adventures and Fathers & Kids Camping. These projects were supported by families from diverse backgrounds who traveled to Skardu to build wells by hand, giving back to local communities while creating unforgettable bonding experiences.

Each borehole features a solar-powered water station with five community taps, drawing from deep aquifers to ensure over 25 years of clean water supply. More than 5,300 residents and three schools are already benefiting from this life-transforming project.

Reducing the Daily Burden for Women and Children

These installations are designed to reduce the burden on women and children, who previously walked long distances to collect unsafe water. With safe water now accessible in their villages, families can focus on education, health, and economic opportunities.

Voices of Change and Hope

Tara Uzra Dawood emphasized the project’s broader mission:

“Aab-e-Nemat means ‘blessed water’—but it’s also about dignity, sustainability, and hope. Built by communities and powered by the sun, this is innovation in action.”

Mrs. Nazia Raja Jaffer, Princess of Skardu, praised the initiative:

“We are honored to see global and local forces unite for the betterment of Skardu. This project will uplift generations.”

Grant Lupson, Trip Leader of Impact Adventures, added:

“DGF was the ideal partner—delivering solar boreholes to six communities on time and on budget.”

Smira Ahmed, a leader from the team, noted:

“This is real change—with hands in the soil, hearts in the mission, and communities leading their own solutions.”

Promoting Sustainable Tourism and National Unity

Project Aab-e-Nemat is also a model of sustainable tourism and people-powered development. Over 40 international volunteers joined hands in the effort, promoting not just aid but global unity, cultural exchange, and economic uplift for local communities.

Expanding Across Pakistan

Encouraged by the success in Skardu, DGF now aims to expand Project Aab-e-Nemat to 100 solar-powered boreholes in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, targeting Pakistan’s most water-insecure areas.

Join the Mission

Water is a basic human need—and a right.
Support Project Aab-e-Nemat to help deliver clean water, dignity, and hope to every corner of Pakistan.