A one-day seminar titled “The Importance and Challenges of the Karez System in District Kech” was organized by the Department of Natural and Basic Sciences and Science Club at Turbat University, in collaboration with the International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University, Netherlands.
The seminar was inaugurated by Turbat University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan, who served as the chief guest, while Associate Professor Dr. Haneef-ur-Rahman moderated the event. Faculty members, administrative staff, and students attended in large numbers.
The event began with the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary “Forgotten Flows of Karez”, directed by Mir Abdul Malik and produced by Hammal Aslam and Bohair Baloch. The film explored the historical, cultural, and engineering significance of the Karez system while highlighting factors contributing to its decline.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured notable experts including Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan, Hammal Aslam, Dr. Shabir Ahmed—author of Karez of Makran, Hafeezullah, a stakeholder in the Ghinna Karez system, and social activist Ajmeri Lal.
The panelists discussed the socio-economic value of the Karez system, its traditional management practices, and water distribution mechanisms. They described the Karez as an ancient underground water transport system and a masterpiece of engineering integral to the region’s cultural identity.
Speakers stressed that due to climate change, unplanned tube wells, prolonged droughts, lack of maintenance expertise, and years of neglect, most Karez systems in District Kech have dried up. They highlighted the collective responsibilities of the community, government, and social organizations in rehabilitating these systems and identified specific Karezes with restoration potential.
After an interactive question-and-answer session, Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan delivered the concluding remarks, appreciating the organizers and participants. He proposed hosting a national conference to develop a concrete action plan for reviving this eco-friendly and culturally significant water system.
The seminar reinforced the urgency of preserving the Karez system as a vital heritage and sustainable water resource for the Makran region.
